Klein on Failure of Hurricane Satellite

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11/23/09 -- Boca Raton, FL – Congressman Ron Klein (FL-22) today released the following statement reacting to the news that the antenna on the QuikSCAT hurricane tracking satellite failed early this morning. Without the antenna, the satellite will not be able to transmit hurricane tracking data.

Congressman Klein is the author of the Hurricane Satellite Modernization Act, which authorizes the construction of next-generation hurricane tracking satellites, as recommended by the NASA Jet Propulsion Lab. The next-generation satellites will provide significantly improved information to narrow the cone of uncertainty and protect Florida’s families when a storm approaches.

“Today’s news of the failure of the main instrument antenna on the QuikSCAT satellite comes as no surprise to those of us who have been fighting for a next-generation hurricane tracking satellite for many years,” Klein said. “QuikSCAT was more than eight years past its useful life, and today’s news of its failure simply strengthens our commitment to ensure that a next-generation satellite is constructed and launched as quickly as possible. I will continue fighting for passage of the Hurricane Satellite Modernization Act to provide accurate weather information that will narrow the cone of uncertainty and protect Florida’s families when a storm approaches.”

Source: Congressman Ron Klein