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Andrei Sushkov

Publications and source records attributed to Andrei Sushkov.

Pre-Launch Calibration Methods of OCI on the Pace Mission

Scheduled for launch in January 2024, the PACE mission represents NASA’s next investment in ocean biology, clouds, and aerosol data records. A key feature of PACE is the inclusion of an advanced satellite radiometer known as the Ocean Color Instrument (OCI), a global mapping radiometer that combines multispectral and hyperspectral remote sensing. This paper describes the methods used for pre-launch calibration of OCI and considerations to ensure the combination of Ground Support Equipment (GSE) and instrument effects meet uncertainty and performance requirements. General considerations when designing a calibration campaign are also discussed.

oci

Initial Look at the Results From the Prelaunch Characterization Campaign of OCI on the Pace Mission

Scheduled for launch in January 2024, the Phytoplankton, Aerosol, Cloud, and ocean Ecosystem (PACE) mission represents NASA’s next investment in ocean biology, clouds, and aerosol data records [1]. A key feature of PACE is the inclusion of an advanced satellite radiometer known as the Ocean Color Instrument (OCI), a global mapping radiometer that combines multispectral and hyperspectral remote sensing. This paper describes the results of the prelaunch test campaign of the OCI Flight Unit. The measured OCI flight unit performance exceeded requirement thresholds in all critical areas. Overall, the performance of the OCI is excellent, and will allow the PACE science team to meet its science objectives.

Calibration

PACE OCI Flight Unit Pre-launch Spectral Characterization

The Plankton, Aerosol, Cloud, ocean Ecosystem (PACE) mission [1] will extend and improve the data record of NASA’s satellite observations of global ocean biology, aerosols, and clouds. The Ocean Color Instrument (OCI) is the primary sensor on-board the PACE platform [2]. The OCI is a scanning radiometer with hyperspectral coverage from the ultraviolet (UV) to the near infrared (NIR) wavelength range and a fiber-coupled multiband filter spectrograph in the short-wave infrared (SWIR) spectral region. The OCI Flight Unit completed system level testing in November 2022 at the Goddard Space Flight Center (GSFC). This paper presents the spectral characterization and performance of the OCI Flight Unit. The OCI Flight spectral performance was determined to be within design specifications and the characterization was measured within specified uncertainties.

PACE

Pace Oci Flight Unit Pre-Launch Spectral Characterization

The Plankton, Aerosol, Cloud, ocean Ecosystem (PACE) mission [1] will extend and improve the data record of NASA’s satellite observations of global ocean biology, aerosols, and clouds. The Ocean Color Instrument (OCI) is the primary sensor on-board the PACE platform [2]. The OCI is a scanning radiometer with hyperspectral coverage from the ultraviolet (UV) to the near infrared (NIR) wavelength range and a fiber-coupled multiband filter spectrograph in the short-wave infrared (SWIR) spectral region. The OCI Flight Unit completed system level testing in November 2022 at the Goddard Space Flight Center (GSFC). This paper presents the spectral characterization and performance of the OCI Flight Unit. The OCI Flight spectral performance was determined to be within design specifications and the characterization was measured within specified uncertainties.

PACE

Comparison of Detector Based and Source Based Absolute Radiance Standards

A detailed comparison of two separate radiometric calibration standards was conducted with analysis of error sources for each. One is a detector based standard, with radiance traceable to fundamental units using the electrical substitution method. The other is based on a calibrated field emission lamp (FEL) generating blackbody radiation. This study was motivated by the discontinuance of the FEL lamps by the manufacturer and a desire to calibrate sensors using non-blackbody spectral profiles. Three spectrometers were calibrated simultaneously by both methods to separate spectrometer artifacts from differences in the radiometric standards and error in the irradiance to radiance conversion procedure needed for the FEL. Conducting this study now is important to provide continuity between the extensive prior FEL based calibration database with a replacement method while calibrated FEL lamps are still available. This also begins a longer term repeatability study of the spectrometers used in this work for evaluation as calibrated transfer standards, usable with both monochromatic and broad spectrum radiance sources. Eliminating the tie to the FEL blackbody spectrum with a detector based standard allows for flexibility in the illumination source. In particular, for Earth science sensors intended for use with sunlit scenes, augmenting traditional tungsten halogen lighting with blue and ultraviolet light emitting diodes allows for a better match to the solar spectrum during laboratory testing.

radiometry

Comparison of Detector Based and Source Based Absolute Radiance Standards

A detailed comparison of two separate radiometric calibration standards was conducted with analysis of error sources for each. One is a detector based standard, with radiance traceable to fundamental units using the electrical substitution method. The other is based on a calibrated field emission lamp (FEL) generating blackbody radiation. This study was motivated by the discontinuance of the FEL lamps by the manufacturer and a desire to calibrate sensors using non-blackbody spectral profiles. Three spectrometers were calibrated simultaneously by both methods to separate spectrometer artifacts from differences in the radiometric standards and error in the irradiance to radiance conversion procedure needed for the FEL. Conducting this study now is important to provide continuity between the extensive prior FEL based calibration database with a replacement method while calibrated FEL lamps are still available. This also begins a longer term repeatability study of the spectrometers used in this work for evaluation as calibrated transfer standards, usable with both monochromatic and broad spectrum radiance sources. Eliminating the tie to the FEL blackbody spectrum with a detector based standard allows for flexibility in the illumination source. In particular, for Earth science sensors intended for use with sunlit scenes, augmenting traditional tungsten halogen lighting with blue and ultraviolet light emitting diodes allows for a better match to the solar spectrum during laboratory testing.

radiometry