Quik SCAT - 2009 Sensor Loss

2009 Sensor Loss

During mid-2009, the QuikSCAT project began noticing a gradual deterioration in the bearings that allow the antenna that provides real-time data. The bearings produced more friction than in the past nine years the satellite was in orbit. This friction slowed the rate the antenna spun, leading to gaps in data recorded by QuikSCAT across the world. This culimated in the antenna's failure on November 23, 2009. Upon failing, it was announced that the satellite was likely at the end of its mission and would no longer be used. The sensor on the satellite was confirmed to have failed around 0700 UTC. The loss only affected the real-time scanning equipment; the long-term data collection remained intact and operational. According to NASA, the failure resulted from the age of the satellite. The mechanism that seized was designed to last only five years; however, it remained operational for roughly ten years, twice its expected use. On November 24, NASA managers began to assess how extensively affected the satellite was and if it was possible to restart the spinning antenna. Contigency plans for what to do in the event of QuikSCAT's failure were also reviewed.