Prelaunch calibration of the Advanced Along-Track Scanning Radiometer (AATSR)

D. L. Smith; J. Delderfield; D. Drummond; T. Edwards; J. Godfrey; C. T. Mutlow; Peter David Read; G. M. Toplis

doi:10.1117/12.373206

28 December 1999 Prelaunch calibration of the Advanced Along-Track Scanning Radiometer (AATSR)

D. L. Smith, J. Delderfield, D. Drummond, T. Edwards, J. Godfrey, C. T. Mutlow, Peter David Read, G. M. Toplis

Proceedings Volume 3870, Sensors, Systems, and Next-Generation Satellites III; (1999) https://doi.org/10.1117/12.373206
Event: Remote Sensing, 1999, Florence, Italy

Abstract

AATSR is the latest in a series of instruments designed to measure global sea-surface-temperatures to an accuracy of 0.3 K and to monitor global vegetation coverage and cloud properties. It forms part of the payload on ESA's ENVISAT mission due to be launched in 2000. Features new to AATSR include a different cooler system, an improved mechanical structure, and a corrected visible calibration system, VISCAL. The methods and results of the instrument's pre-launch calibration tests are described. These include the field-of- view, visible and infrared radiometric calibrations. The radiometric responses of the visible/near infrared channels were measured, and the in-flight VISCAL unit was calibrated. The calibrations of the thermal infrared channels were verified over a range of target temperatures between 210 K to 315 K and corrections derived for detector non-linearity. Tests were also performed to verify freedom from any significant scan dependent variations or effects due to changes in the thermal environment. Data from the initial calibration run identified a major fault with the instrument's optical alignment, and was vital in establishing the solution for the eventual repair. In addition, the calibration of the visible channels revealed important characteristics affecting the accuracy of the scientific products that would otherwise have been overlooked.

Citation Download Citation

D. L. Smith, J. Delderfield, D. Drummond, T. Edwards, J. Godfrey, C. T. Mutlow, Peter David Read, and G. M. Toplis "Prelaunch calibration of the Advanced Along-Track Scanning Radiometer (AATSR)", Proc. SPIE 3870, Sensors, Systems, and Next-Generation Satellites III, (28 December 1999); https://doi.org/10.1117/12.373206

ACCESS THE FULL ARTICLE

INSTITUTIONAL
Select your institution to access the SPIE Digital Library.

SELECT YOUR INSTITUTION

PERSONAL
Sign in with your SPIE account to access your personal subscriptions or to use specific features such as save to my library, sign up for alerts, save searches, etc.

PERSONAL SIGN IN

No SPIE Account? Create one

PURCHASE THIS CONTENT

SUBSCRIBE TO DIGITAL LIBRARY

50 downloads per 1-year subscription

Members: $195

Non-members: $335 ADD TO CART

25 downloads per 1 - year subscription

Members: $145

Non-members: $250 ADD TO CART

PURCHASE SINGLE ARTICLE

Includes PDF, HTML & Video, when available