controversial as it relied on unpublished data. Although the satellite aids in forecasting hurricane position and intensity, it does not do so exclusively. 2009 bearing failure In mid-2009, a gradual deterioration in the bearings of the antenna's rotation mechanism was noticed. Friction caused by this deterioration slowed the rotation rate of the antenna, leading to gaps in data recorded by QuikSCAT. The antenna ultimately failed on November 23, 2009. Upon failing, it was announced that the satellite was likely at the end of its mission and would no longer be used. The sensor on the satellite was confirmed to have failed around 0700 UTC. The loss only affected the real-time scanning equipment; the long-term data collection remained intact and operational. According to NASA, the failure resulted from the age of the satellite. The mechanism that seized was designed to last only five years; however, it remained operational for roughly ten years, twice its expected use. On November 24, NASA managers began to assess how extensively affected the satellite was and if it was possible to restart the spinning antenna. Contingency plans for what to do in the event of QuikSCAT's failure were also reviewed. A replacement for this spacecraft, ISS-RapidScat, was launched in 2014. See also Earth Observing System European Remote-Sensing Satellite References External links Jet Propulsion Laboratory homepage for QuikSCAT QuikSCAT on NOSA Earth observation satellites of the United States Spacecraft launched in 1999 Oceanographic satellites NASA satellites Spacecraft launched by Titan rockets