QuikSCAT

Quick Scatterometer

past Mission

Type

Orbiter

Launch

June 19, 1999

Target

Earth

Objective

Study ocean winds to enhance environmental predictions and weather forecasting

Designed to be a “quick recovery” mission to fill the gap after oceanographic satellite NSCAT failed in June 1997, QuikSCAT measured ocean winds and directions, covering more than 90% of the ice-free oceans every day for more than 10 years – far exceeding its three-year life expectancy.

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