Proteus Flight # 176
3 July, 2002

Objectives:  

Proteus flew over both the western and eastern Crystal-Face ground sites contributing to 
tropical cirrus cloud characterization with the other Project aircraft.  Additionally, 
Proteus was operational over the western site in clear air conditions during the time of the 
AQUA overpass (western Bahamas, sub-satellite point) ~ 18:35 GMT.

Summary: 

Proteus takeoff was at 14:27 GMT.  NAST-I performance was nominal and recorded data from 
14:46 GMT to 20:08 GMT.   NAST-M recorded data between 14:17 GMT and 20:31 GMT with nominal 
performance being achieved throughout the flight; the 425 GHz channels are not yet 
operational.  FIRSC did not record science data on this flight, per pre-flight h/w repair 
plans.  RSP was powered up at 14:35 GMT and was deactivated at 20:21 GMT, and achieved 
nominal instrument performance throughout this data taking period.  POLDER was powered up at 
14:33 GMT and was turned off at 20:42 GMT; an instrument failure occurred after ~ 3.75 hours 
of data recording (14:30 – 18:15 GMT).   Proteus landed at 20:41 GMT.