MISR abstract
Bruegge, Carol J., Wedad A. Abdou, David J. Diner, Barbara J. Gaitley, Mark C. Helmlinger, Ralph A. Kahn, and John V. Martonchik (2004). Validating the MISR radiometric scale for the ocean aerosol science communities. In Post-launch calibration of satellite sensors, Stanley A. Morain and Amelia M. Budge, editors. A.A. Balkema Publishers, Leiden, Netherlands, pp. 103-115.
The Multi-angle Imaging SpectroRadiometer (MISR) is one of five instruments on-board the
EOS/ Terra spacecraft. Nine cameras, which view up to 70° forward and aft of the spacecraft track and enable
unique geophysical retrievals, provide this multi-angle capability. As an example, many on-orbit sensors are
able to estimate the amount of aerosol loading present in the underlying atmosphere. MISR, however, is capable
of retrieving information on both aerosol amount and microphysical properties. A necessary prerequisite,
however, is that the instrument be calibrated to its absolute, band, and camera-relative specifications. Previous
work has demonstrated that MISR is calibrated to better than 4% absolute uncertainty (1s confidence
level) for bright land targets. This paper validates that radiometric accuracy is maintained throughout the dynamic
range of the instrument. As part of this study, a new look has been taken at the band-relative scale, and
a decrease in the radiance reported for the Red and NIR Bands has resulted. The calibration processes is now
routine, fully developed, and tested. Bi-monthly on-orbit calibrations will be continued throughout the life of
the mission and allow MISR to accurately report incident radiances, even in the presence of expected sensor
response changes.