December 22, 2014 - TIRS Level-1 Processing is Still Suspended

By Landsat Missions

The configuration of the TIRS instrument on Landsat 8 remains unchanged since the detection of anomalous current levels associated with the scene select mirror (SSM) encoder electronics.

The SSM electronics have been turned off with the instrument pointed at nadir and TIRS data continue to be acquired but not processed to generate Level-1 products. Plans are being formulated to switch to the “B-side” of the Main electronics Box (MEB) although the switch to the redundant electronics is not expected to occur until after the holidays. In the meantime the calibration validation team will continue to investigate whether updated calibration parameters can be derived. Landsat 8 Level-1 products will continue to be generated containing valid OLI data and TIRS bands consisting of zero-fill. Status updates will be posted as more information becomes available.