Prelaunch performance characteristics of the Atmospheric Infrared Sounder (AIRS)

Thomas S. Pagano; Hartmut H. Aumann; L. Larrabee Strow

doi:10.1117/12.417132

9 February 2001 Prelaunch performance characteristics of the Atmospheric Infrared Sounder (AIRS)

Thomas S. Pagano, Hartmut H. Aumann, L. Larrabee Strow

Proceedings Volume 4169, Sensors, Systems, and Next-Generation Satellites IV; (2001) https://doi.org/10.1117/12.417132
Event: Europto Remote Sensing, 2000, Barcelona, Spain

Abstract

The Atmospheric Infrared Sounder represents a quantum leap in spaceborne sounding instruments with 2,378 infrared spectral channels ranging in wavelength from 3.5to 15.5 microns. AIRS was built by NASA subcontractor Lockheed Martin Sanders (LM Sanders) in Lexington, Massachusetts and is scheduled for launch on the NASA EOS-Aqua spacecraft in December 2000. Characterization of this high spectral resolution infrared spectrometer involved extensive laboratory testing in a thermal vacuum environment at cold optical temperatures. This paper summarizes the results of that testing and gives a detailed report on the spectral, radiometric, and spatial performance of the AIRS. Based on the excellent prelaunch calibration and results of data simulation, AIRS data should significantly improve global weather forecasts and provide an important new tool for climate research.

Citation Download Citation

Thomas S. Pagano, Hartmut H. Aumann, and L. Larrabee Strow "Prelaunch performance characteristics of the Atmospheric Infrared Sounder (AIRS)", Proc. SPIE 4169, Sensors, Systems, and Next-Generation Satellites IV, (9 February 2001); https://doi.org/10.1117/12.417132

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