NUMBER 73

DATE: 09/06/89

Sector Processing Center (SPC):

During July, NOA and JMA collectively processed more than 98% of A data into B1/B2 data.

Normal operations were reported by NOA and JMA.

No report was received from AES for the second month. A report was received from ESA for June, but no report was received for July.

NOA reported a lightning strike at the Wallops Ground Receiving Station that knocked out both NOAA polar orbiter and GOES data reception for more than one day. All NOAA and GOES data were lost from late 27 July to early 29 July 1989; some NOA and TOVS data were also lost from 24 July. Operations have been restored. Delivery of NOAA-10 B2 data is still suspended.

ESA reported that METEOSAT-4 became the operational satellite, replacing METEOSAT-3, on 19 June 1989 at 0900 UTC. The commissioning activities caused the loss of more than the usual number of images in June.

Special Area Processing Center (SAPC):

No reports were received.

Satellite Calibration Center (SCC):

No report and no new BC data were received this month.

Global Processing Center (GPC):

The GPC continued to receive B2 data and correlative data in a routine manner.

Production of NOAA-9 B3 data has been completed through early November 1988, when NOAA-11 replaced NOAA-9. Delivery of the remaining NOAA-9 B3 data (March through November 1988) will occur after a final analysis of the VIS calibration trend.

The B3 data from GOES-6 for April 1987 has been produced from the new format B2 data. Although the data appear correct, some questions about quality flags remain. The first comparison of the effects of the transmission changes on IR calibration shows that the new IR tables, that are meant to simulate the old IR tables, appear to introduce a small gain change. This is being investigated further.

Inspection of all B3 data to detect short-term calibration anomalies has been completed. Re-calibration and replacement of B3 data tapes has now been completed for all satellites through 85 and for METEOSAT through 86.

Format problems have been resolved for the delivery of special CX data sets. All of the special data sets requested by the SRB Project for Oct 86 have now been prepared for delivery. Preparation of the special ICE data for delivery is underway.

Full production of C1 data has resumed: C1 data for August and September 84 have been completed. Production of C1 data for October and November 84 is underway.

ISCCP Central Archive (ICA):

The ICA continued to receive B1 data from NOA, AES, ESA, and JMA and B3 and C data from the GPC in a routine manner.