Today and yesterday were major test activities with JPSS and the FINE site receptor/antenna. This was a major milestone as this particular receptor/antenna was considered an "objective" capability as it was the newest unit installed. JPSS staff configured their system to track many of the day and early evening contacts and we captured most of the automatically using the Harris provided automated data recorders (ADRs). Harris personnel noted that the NOAA satellite operations and control center (SOCC) OPS51/F17 configuration of the SGLS channels was incorrect and has not yet been changed. Consequently, Harris engineers corrected the rest of the week's ADR schedules to reflect the proper configuration so we should be OK going forward unless the SOCC pushes out an updated schedule. Major Gaber and Ms. Madden were able to visit the JPSS T-Site receptor/antenna today while I remained at the JSOC to collect RTD imagery.
We were surprised by a Blue Ribbon Panel of distinguished visitors (DVs) who visited the JSOC and what kinds of activities the facility supports. JPSS/Raytheon staff provided an impromptu synopsis of their integration and testing work as well as the real-time DMSP data reception. In fact, the Aerospace CUT application took in live data while the DVs were present and they asked lots of good questions. The panel included representatives from NSF, NASA and White House OSTP.
The Aerospace common user terminal (CUT) application captured data from approximately half of the contacts thus far as it appears that the software properly syncs with standard data "frame sync bit pattern" but may not support "inverted data pattern." This condition can occur given the "phase ambiguity" condition associated with satellite data receivers. I will consult with our engineering technology group (ETG) partners to see if they handle this condition or if we have some other issue to resovle. Folks are thrilled with the data we've successfully taken but I was hopefull for 100% coverage. If at all possible we'll work with ETG to see if a software patch is needed or possible before our time on the ice concludes. Tomorrow we'll say goodbye to our Harris teammates as they depart for New Zealand and then to US as they've completed all of their objectives.
The bulk of the team met for a final dinner and then gathered for a group photo around the McMurdo Station, Antarctica sign with the continental mountain chain and the Ross Ice Shelf in the back drop. Tomorrow the SPO/Aerospace/JPSS staff will go on a major shuttle tour in the AM and then do additional testing with JPSS infrastructure. I've posted photos highlighting the day for your viewing pleasure.
Things have progress so well that our team may move up our departure date to 12 December vs. the planned 16 December but time will tell if the request can be supported but we've flagged it early.
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