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Early On-Orbit Performance of the Visible Infrared Imaging Radiometer Suite Onboard the Suomi National Polar-Orbiting Partnership (S-NPP) Satellite

The Visible Infrared Imaging Radiometer Suite (VIIRS) is one of the key environmental remote-sensing instruments onboard the Suomi National Polar-Orbiting Partnership spacecraft, which was successfully launched on October 28, 2011 from the Vandenberg Air Force Base, California. Following a series of spacecraft and sensor activation operations, the VIIRS nadir door was opened on November 21, 2011. The first VIIRS image acquired signifies a new generation of operational moderate resolution-imaging capabilities following the legacy of the advanced very high-resolution radiometer series on NOAA satellites and Terra and Aqua Moderate-Resolution Imaging Spectroradiometer for NASAs Earth Observing system. VIIRS provides significant enhancements to the operational environmental monitoring and numerical weather forecasting, with 22 imaging and radiometric bands covering wavelengths from 0.41 to 12.5 microns, providing the sensor data records for 23 environmental data records including aerosol, cloud properties, fire, albedo, snow and ice, vegetation, sea surface temperature, ocean color, and nigh-time visible-light-related applications. Preliminary results from the on-orbit verification in the postlaunch check-out and intensive calibration and validation have shown that VIIRS is performing well and producing high-quality images. This paper provides an overview of the on-orbit performance of VIIRS, the calibration/validation (cal/val) activities and methodologies used. It presents an assessment of the sensor initial on-orbit calibration and performance based on the efforts from the VIIRS-SDR team. Known anomalies, issues, and future calibration efforts, including the long-term monitoring, and intercalibration are also discussed.

Multiyear On-Orbit Calibration and Performance of Terra MODIS Reflective Solar Bands

Terra Moderate Resolution Imaging Spectroradiometer (MODIS) has made continuous global observations for more than six years since its launch in December 1999. MODIS has 36 spectral bands: 20 reflective solar bands (RSBs) with wavelengths from 0.41-2.2 mum and 16 thermal emissive bands with wavelengths from 3.7-14.4 mum. It is a cross-track scanning radiometer that collects data at three nadir spatial resolutions: 0.25 km (2 bands), 0.5 km (5 bands), and 1 km (29 bands). An onboard solar diffuser (SD) and an SD stability monitor (SDSM) are used biweekly for RSB on-orbit radiometric calibration. Another onboard calibrator (OBC), a spectroradiometric calibration assembly, is used periodically to evaluate and monitor RSB spatial and spectral performance. In addition to measurements made using OBCs, lunar observations at nearly identical phase angles are used to track RSB calibration stability. This paper provides an overview of MODIS RSB on-orbit calibration algorithms and operational activities. It discusses sensor characteristics that could impact RSB calibration accuracy and data product quality, including degradation of the SD bidirectional reflectance factor (BRF), degradation of the scan mirror reflectance in the visible spectral region, and changes in operational configuration. The Terra MODIS OBCs have performed well in monitoring SD degradation and tracking changes in RSB response. Band 8 (0.41 mum) has experienced the largest response decrease with an approximate annual rate of 4.5% (mirror side 1). Band 9 (0.44 mum) has an annual response decrease of about 2.3% (mirror side 1). For most RSB bands with wavelengths greater than 0.5 mum, the annual response changes are generally less than 1.0%. Results from the SDSM on-orbit observations show that the SD BRF also has a similar wavelength-dependent degradation, with the largest degradation appearing at the shortest wavelengths. Among the 330 RSB detectors, there are no inoperable detectors, and only a few noisy detectors have appeared postlaunch

On-orbit performance of the Earth Observing System Moderate Resolution Imaging Spectroradiometer; first year of data

Abstract The Moderate Resolution Imaging Spectroradiometer (MODIS) completed the first year of science data acquisition on February 24, 2000. The overall performance of the sensor and the on-board calibration systems for this first year have been very good. Several features of the performance lead to characteristics in the data set that merit special attention. These items are sometimes called data product caveats, and are described here. Uncertainty budgets for the 0.555-μm band, the 1.240-μm band and the 12.000-μm band are presented at several days throughout this first year. The uncertainty is estimated to be decreasing with time during this period, and to be near 1.8% in reflectance factor for 0.555 μm, 1.9% for the reflectance factor product for the 1.240 μm band, and 0.7% for the 12.000-μm band at nadir at the end of the first year. Degradation of the solar diffuser is 2.3% at 0.412 μm, known to an uncertainty of ±0.5%. Solar diffuser degradation for wavelengths longer that 0.5 μm is indistinguishable from the uncertainty in trend determination for the first year. Mirror side degradation at 0.412 μm is 6±0.5%, with a mirror side difference of an additional 3%. The performance present in the data at the end of year 1 provides significant encouragement that many improvements in our understanding of the Earth system performance can and will be based on MODIS data during the coming years.

MODIS Reflective Solar Bands On-Orbit Lunar Calibration

The moderate resolution imaging spectroradiometer (MODIS) protoflight model on-board the Terra spacecraft and the MODIS flight model 1 on-board the Aqua spacecraft were launched on December 18, 1999 and May 4, 2002, respectively. They view the moon through the space view (SV) port approximately once a month to monitor the long-term radiometric stability of their reflective solar bands (RSBs). The lunar irradiance observed by MODIS depends on the viewing geometry. Algorithms were developed to select lunar views such that these geometric effects are minimized. In each MODIS lunar observation, the moon can be viewed in multiple scans. The lunar irradiance of a MODIS RSB can be derived from the response of all detectors of a spectral band in one scan which fully covers the moon, from that of one detector in multiple scans or from the response of all detectors in multiple scans. Based on lunar observations, a set of coefficients is defined and derived to trend MODIS system response degradation at the angle of incidence (AOI) of its SV port. It is shown that the degradation is both wavelength and mirror side dependent. Since launch, Terra and Aqua MODIS band 8 (412 nm) mirror side one have degraded 36% and 17%, respectively, at the AOI of the SV. A comparison between the lunar coefficients and those derived from the MODIS on-board solar diffuser (SD) calibrations shows that the response change of the MODIS RSB is both AOI and time dependent. Time-dependent response versus scan angle (RVS) lookup tables derived from lunar views, SD calibration, and Earth-view observations have been used to maintain the quality of the L1B data for both the Terra and Aqua MODIS RSB. The corrections provided by the RVS in the Terra and Aqua MODIS data from the 412-nm band are as large as 14% and 6.2%, respectively.

On-Orbit Calibration and Performance of Aqua MODIS Reflective Solar Bands

Aqua MODIS has successfully operated on-orbit for more than six years since its launch in May 2002, continuously making global observations and improving studies of changes in the Earths climate and environment. Twenty of the 36 MODIS spectral bands, covering wavelengths from 0.41 to 2.2 ?m, are the reflective solar bands (RSBs). They are calibrated on-orbit using an onboard solar diffuser (SD) and an SD stability monitor. In addition, regularly scheduled lunar observations are made to track the RSB calibration stability. This paper presents Aqua MODIS RSB on-orbit calibration and characterization activities, methodologies, and performance. Included in this paper are characterizations of detector signal-to-noise ratio, short-term stability, and long-term response change. Spectral-wavelength-dependent degradation of the SD bidirectional reflectance factor and scan mirror reflectance, which also varies with the angle of incidence, is examined. On-orbit results show that Aqua MODIS onboard calibrators have performed well, enabling accurate calibration coefficients to be derived and updated for the Level 1B production and assuring high-quality science data products to be continuously generated and distributed. Since launch, the short-term response, on a scan-by-scan basis, has remained extremely stable for most RSB detectors. With the exception of band 6, there have been no new RSB noisy or inoperable detectors. Like its predecessor, i.e., Terra MODIS, launched in December 1999, the Aqua MODIS visible spectral bands have experienced relatively large changes, with an annual response decrease (mirror side 1) of 3.6% for band 8 at 0.412 ?m, 2.3% for band 9 at 0.443 ?m, 1.6% for band 3 at 0.469 ?m, and 1.2% for band 10 at 0.488 ?m. For other RSB bands with wavelengths greater than 0.5 ?m, the annual response changes are typically less than 0.5%. In general, Aqua MODIS optics degradation is smaller than Terra MODIS, and the mirror-side differences are much smaller. Overall, Aqua MODIS RSB on-orbit performance is better than that of Terra MODIS.

VIIRS on‐orbit calibration methodology and performance

The Visible Infrared Imaging Radiometer Suite (VIIRS) sensor aboard the Suomi National Polar-orbiting Partnership spacecraft has successfully operated since its launch in October 2011. The VIIRS collects data in 22 spectral bands that are calibrated by a set of onboard calibrators (OBC). In addition, lunar observations are made to independently track VIIRS long-term calibration stability for the reflective solar bands (RSB). This paper provides an overview of VIIRS OBC functions as well as its on-orbit operation and calibration activities. It also describes sensor calibration methodologies and demonstrates VIIRS on-orbit performance from launch to present. Results reported in this paper include on-orbit changes in sensor spectral band responses, detector noise characterization, and key calibration parameters. Issues identified and their potential impacts on sensor calibration are also discussed. Since launch, the VIIRS instrument nominal operation temperature has been stable to within ±1.0 K. The cold focal plane temperatures have been well controlled, with variations of less than 20 mK over a period of 1.5 years. In general, changes in thermal emissive bands (TEB) detector responses have been less than 0.5%. Despite large response degradation in several near-infrared and short-wave infrared bands and large SD degradation at short visible wavelengths, the VIIRS sensor and OBC overall performance has been excellent postlaunch. The degradation caused by the telescope mirror coating contamination has been modeled and its impact addressed through the use of modulated relative spectral response in the improved calibration and the current sensor data record data production. Based on current instrument characteristics and performance, it is expected that the VIIRS calibration will continue to meet its design requirements, including RSB detector signal to noise ratio and TEB detector noise equivalent temperature difference, throughout its 7 year design lifetime.

Prelaunch algorithm and data format for the Level 1 calibration products for the EOS-AM1 Moderate Resolution Imaging Spectroradiometer (MODIS)

The Moderate Resolution Imaging Spectroradiometer (MODIS) radiometric calibration product (Level 1B) is described for the thermal emissive and reflective solar bands. A band-integrated radiance is produced for all measurements. A reflectance factor product is also produced for the reflected solar band measurements. Specific sensor design characteristics are identified to assist in understanding how the calibration algorithm software product is designed. The product file format is summarized, and the location for the current file format is provided.

Status of Terra MODIS and Aqua MODIS

Abstract Nearly identical copies of the Moderate Resolution Imaging Spectroradiometer (MODIS) have been operating onboard the Earth Observing System (EOS) Terra and Aqua satellites for 34 and 5 months respectively. Both are performing as designed. Sensitivities, with minor exceptions, are better than specified. Short- and long-term stability is very good. Trending of the Terra sensor has revealed degradation of the solar diffuser and the response of several VIS bands of a few percent per year.

Time-Dependent Response Versus Scan Angle for MODIS Reflective Solar Bands

The Moderate Resolution Imaging Spectroradiometer (MODIS) instruments currently operate onboard the National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASAs) Terra and Aqua spacecraft, launched on December 18, 1999 and May 4, 2002, respectively. MODIS has 36 spectral bands, among which 20 are reflective solar bands (RSBs) covering a spectral range from 0.412 to 2.13 μm. The RSBs are calibrated on orbit using a solar diffuser (SD) and an SD stability monitor and with additional measurements from lunar observations via a space view (SV) port. Selected pseudo-invariant desert sites are also used to track the RSB on-orbit gain change, particularly for short-wavelength bands. MODIS views the Earth surface, SV, and the onboard calibrators using a two-sided scan mirror. The response versus scan angle (RVS) of the scan mirror was characterized prior to launch, and its changes are tracked using observations made at different angles of incidence from onboard SD, lunar, and Earth view (EV) measurements. These observations show that the optical properties of the scan mirror have experienced large wavelength-dependent degradation in both the visible and near infrared spectral regions. Algorithms have been developed to track the on-orbit RVS change using the calibrators and the selected desert sites. These algorithms have been applied to both Terra and Aqua MODIS Level 1B (L1B) to improve the EV data accuracy since L1B Collection 4, refined in Collection 5, and further improved in the latest Collection 6 (C6). In C6, two approaches have been used to derive the time-dependent RVS for MODIS RSB. The first approach relies on data collected from sensor onboard calibrators and mirror side ratios from EV observations. The second approach uses onboard calibrators and EV response trending from selected desert sites. This approach is mainly used for the bands with much larger changes in their time-dependent RVS, such as the Terra MODIS bands 1-4, 8, and 9 and the Aqua MODIS bands 8 and 9. In this paper, the algorithms of these approaches are described, their performance is demonstrated, and their impact on L1B products is discussed. In general, the shorter wavelength bands have experienced a larger on-orbit RVS change, which, in general, are mirror side and detector dependent. The on-orbit RVS change due to the degradation of band 8 can be as large as 35% for Terra MODIS and 20% for Aqua MODIS. Vital to maintaining the accuracy of the MODIS L1B products is an accurate characterization of the on-orbit RVS change. The derived time-independent RVS, implemented in C6, makes an important improvement to the quality of the MODIS L1B products.

Multiyear On-Orbit Calibration and Performance of Terra MODIS Thermal Emissive Bands

Since its launch in December 1999, Terra MODIS has been making continuous Earth observations for more than seven years. It has produced a broad range of land, ocean, and atmospheric science data products for improvements in studies of global climate and environmental change. Among its 36 spectral bands, there are 20 reflective solar bands and 16 thermal emissive bands (TEBs). MODIS TEBs cover the mid-wave infrared and long-wave infrared spectral regions with wavelengths from 3.7 to 14.4 . They are calibrated on-orbit using an onboard blackbody (BB) with its temperature measured by a set of thermistors on a scan-by-scan basis. This paper will provide a brief overview of MODIS TEB calibration and characterization methodologies and illustrate onboard BB functions and TEB performance over more than seven years of on-orbit operation and calibration. Discussions will be focused on TEB detector short-term stability and noise characterization and changes in long-term response (or system gain). Results show that Terra MODIS BB operation has been extremely stable since launch. When operated at its nominal controlled temperature of 290 K, the BB temperature variation is typically less than 0.30 mK on a scan-by-scan basis, and there has been no time-dependent temperature drift. In addition to excellent short-term stability, most TEB detectors continue to meet or exceed their specified noise characterization requirements, thus enabling calibration accuracy and science data product quality to be maintained. Excluding the noisy detectors identified prelaunch and those that occurred postlaunch, the changes in TEB responses have been less than 0.7% on an annual basis. The optical leak corrections applied to bands 32-36 have been effective and stable over the entire mission.