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International Space Station Utilization for Radiometric Calibration Support to Earth Remote Sensing Program

Published

Author(s)

E A. Thompson, Raju V. Datla, Robert D. Saunders, Albert C. Parr

Abstract

The idea of utilizing the International Space Station (ISS) to provide a platform for manned and maintained NIST/SI traceable standard sensors in the visible, IR and microwave spectral regions to augment the spectral calibration of other remote sensing sensors is being well received in the calibration community. Review of the current state of the art in solar monitoring as evidenced by intercomparison between different satellite sensors for total solar irradiance, solar spectral irradiance and measured spectral irradiance versus reference spectra very much proves this point. The analysis of the Microwave Sounding Unit (MSU) radiometer data to deduce global temperature trends also shows the dire need for a better calibration of these instruments flown on sequential satellites to a very high degree of accuracy. In this regard possible radiometric calibration missions on ISS as envisioned by NIST will be discussed. Also the current plan for a feasibility study for these missions on ISS that addresses issues such as ISS platform dynamics and contamination levels and effects will be discussed.
Proceedings Title
International Forum on Space Technology and Applications (STAIF-2000)
Volume
504
Conference Dates
January 30-February 3, 2000
Conference Location
Undefined
Conference Title
International Forum on Space Technology and Applications

Keywords

international space station, radiometric calibration, radiometry, solar irradiance, vicarious calibration

Citation

Thompson, E. , Datla, R. , Saunders, R. and Parr, A. (2000), International Space Station Utilization for Radiometric Calibration Support to Earth Remote Sensing Program, International Forum on Space Technology and Applications (STAIF-2000), Undefined, [online], https://tsapps.nist.gov/publication/get_pdf.cfm?pub_id=841979 (Accessed April 19, 2024)
Created January 18, 2000, Updated October 12, 2021