Special Announcement: Advisory on Recent QuikSCAT Data Quality and Availability

QuikSCAT has recently experienced significant variability in its antenna spin rate that has likely affected data quality. In recent days prior to 23 November 2009 the antenna spin rate sporadically dropped below 15 RPM. At 7:07 UTC on 23 November 2009 (orbital rev number 54315), the antenna stalled to 0 RPM, and has remained stalled in a fixed-azimuth position since that time. Science data processing has been caught up through rev 54315. The latest delivery batch covering 18-22 November (revs 54240-54296) is less affected by the spin degradation, and is generally considered usable although we do advise caution. Please be advised that due to uncertain data quality, the delivery of science data products from revs 54297 up to the stall time on rev 54315 may either be delayed or unavailable for public distribution. The antenna remains powered, however the usability and quality of any retrievable data beyond the stall time on rev 54315 is highly uncertain; the QuikSCAT Project will decide on whether any future data should be made publicly available. We will maintain close contact with the QuikSCAT Project and provide updates as more information becomes available.

Should you have any questions, please contact: podaac@podaac.jpl.nasa.gov.

Sincerely,
PO.DAAC User Services