Candidate future atmospheric sounder for the converged U.S. meteorological system

Paul G. Morse; Christopher R. Miller; Moustafa T. Chahine; Fred O'Callaghan; Hartmut H. Aumann; Avinash R. Karnik

doi:10.1117/12.221369

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29 September 1995 Candidate future atmospheric sounder for the converged U.S. meteorological system

Paul G. Morse, Christopher R. Miller, Moustafa T. Chahine, Fred O'Callaghan, Hartmut H. Aumann, Avinash R. Karnik

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Proceedings Volume 2553, Infrared Spaceborne Remote Sensing III; (1995) https://doi.org/10.1117/12.221369
Event: SPIE's 1995 International Symposium on Optical Science, Engineering, and Instrumentation, 1995, San Diego, CA, United States

Abstract

The atmospheric infrared sounder (AIRS) is being developed for the NASA Earth Observing System (EOS) program with a scheduled launch on the first post meridian (PM) platform in the year 2000. AIRS is designed to provide both new and more accurate data about the atmosphere, land, and oceans for applications to climate studies and weather prediction. Among the important parameters to be derived from AIRS observations are atmospheric temperature profiles with an average accuracy of 1K in 1 kilometer (km) layers in the troposphere and surface temperatures with an average accuracy of 0.5 K. The AIRS measurement technique is based on very sensitive passive IR remote sensing using a precisely calibrated, high spectral resolution grating spectrometer operating in the 3.7 micrometers to 15.4 micrometers region. The instrument concept utilizes a passively cooled multiaperture echelle array spectrometer approach in combination with advanced state of the art focal plane and cryogenic refrigerator technology to achieve unparalleled performance capability in a practical long life configuration. AIRS is a key component of NASA's Global Change Research Program and is expected to play an important role in fulfilling the needs of the converged National Polar- Orbiting Operating Environment Satellite System (NPOESS) now under study. This paper provides a brief overview of the mission followed by a description of the instrument design and current development status.

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Paul G. Morse, Christopher R. Miller, Moustafa T. Chahine, Fred O'Callaghan, Hartmut H. Aumann, and Avinash R. Karnik "Candidate future atmospheric sounder for the converged U.S. meteorological system", Proc. SPIE 2553, Infrared Spaceborne Remote Sensing III, (29 September 1995); https://doi.org/10.1117/12.221369

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