U.S. weather satellite GOES-13 is out of order

U.S. satellite GOES-13, calculated for the collection of meteorological data and monitoring space weather has failed - on board the vehicle stopped working two main instruments: an infrared camera and a tool to measure the temperature of the atmosphere, reports RIA "Novosti" with reference to the U.S. administration Ocean and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA).

In orbit now has four satellites GOES (Geostationary Operational Environmental Satellite), designed for meteorological and geophysical observations - GOES-12, GOES-13, GOES-14 and GOES-15, one of them in reserve (GOES-15).

Camera for multispectral survey the Earth's surface in the infrared range (Imager) on board the GOES-13, has ceased to work on Monday at 01.22 MSK, and the instrument to build profiles of temperature and humidity in the atmosphere (Sounder) - even on Sunday at 15.26 MSK.

Currently, engineers are trying to determine the cause of the anomaly, while the experts can not say when the new satellite equipment will work. However, the data acquisition system, the equipment transmission of dangerous weather phenomena, as well as transmitters rescue SARSAT satellite system on board the vehicle is working properly.

This is the second failure of satellites GOES. In May, the satellite GOES-15 went into safe mode, and most of it is switched off. However, the satellite equipment is not physically damaged, and a few days later he was back to normal.

Satellite GOES-13 (also known as GOES-N) was launched into space May 24, 2006, after five years of its launch was delayed for various reasons. In June 2006, following the transfer of the satellite to the customer - NOAA - the unit was transferred to the reserve, where he remained until, until it was his turn to change one of the disposals of satellites in this series.