Engineering topics

Xiong, X.

Publications and source records attributed to Xiong, X..

47 records · Page 3

NASA NTRS2004

Status of Aqua MODIS On-orbit Calibration and Characterization

The MODIS Flight Model 1 (FM1) has been in operation for more than two years since its launch onboard the NASA's Earth Observing System (EOS) Aqua spacecraft on May 4, 2002. The MODIS has 36 spectral bands: 20 reflective solar bands (RSB) with center wavelengths from 0.41 to 2.2 micron and 16 thermal emissive bands (TEB) from 3.7 to 14.5 micron. It provides the science community observations (data products) of the Earth's land, oceans, and atmosphere for a board range of applications. Its primary on-orbit calibration and characterization activities are performed using a solar diffuser (SD) and a solar diffuser stability monitor (SDSM) system for the RSB and a blackbody for the TEB. Another on-board calibrator (OBC) known as the spectro-radiometric calibration assembly (SRCA) is used for the instrument's spatial (TEB and RSB) and spectral (RSB only) characterization. We present in this paper the status of Aqua MODIS calibration and characterization during its first two years of on-orbit operation. Discussions will be focused on the calibration activities executed on-orbit in order to maintain and enhance the instrument's performance and the quality of its Level 1B (L1B) data products. We also provide comparisons between Aqua MODIS and Terra MODIS (launched in December, 1999), including their similarity and difference in response trending and optics degradation. Existing data and results show that Aqua MODIS bands 8 (0.412 micron) and 9 (0.443 micron) have much smaller degradation than Terra MODIS bands 8 and 9. The most noticeable feature shown in the RSB trending is that the mirror side differences in Aqua MODIS are extremely small and stable (<0.1%) while the Terra MODIS RSB trending has shown significant mirror side difference and wavelength dependent degradation. The overall stability of the Aqua MODIS TEB is also better than that of the Terra MODIS during their first two years of on-orbit operation.

Aqua↗

NASA NTRS2004

Inter-Comparison of Terra and Aqua MODIS

Nearly identical copies of the Moderate Resolution Imaging Spectroradiometer (MODIS) have been operating on-board the NASA's Earth Observing System (EOS) Terra and Aqua satellites since their launches in December 1999 and May 2002, respectively. Each MODIS has 20 reflective solar bands (RSB) with center wavelengths ranging from 0.41 to 2.1 micrometers and 16 thermal emissive bands (TEB) from 3.7 to 14.4 micrometers. The absolute radiometric accuracy requirements (1 sigma) at the typical spectral radiance levels are plus or minus 2% for the RSB for the RSB reflectance factors and plus or minus 5% for the RSB radiance products. With few exceptions, the TEB requirements are plus or minus 1%. The sensor's on-orbit radiometric calibration is performed by the on-board calibrators, including a solar diffuser (SD) and a solar diffuser stability monitor (SDSM) system for the RSB and a V-groove flat panel blackbody (BB) for the TEB. In addition, the Moon has been extensively used by both Terra and Aqua MODIS to support their on-orbit calibration and characterization. This paper presents MODIS lunar calibration methodology and inter-comparison of Terra and Aqua MODIS in the VIS/NIR spectral regions. Current results from lunar observations show that the calibration difference between the two sensors is less than plus or minus 1%. Also discussed in this paper are the approaches and results of inter-comparison of Terra and Aqua MODIS in the TEB using closely matched thermal infrared (TIR) channels on the Advanced Very High Resolution Radiometer (AVHRR) at 11 and 12 micrometers.

Xiong, X.↗

NASA NTRS2004

MODIS In-flight Calibration Methodologies

MODIS is a key instrument for the NASA's Earth Observing System (EOS) currently operating on the Terra spacecraft launched in December 1999 and Aqua spacecraft launched in May 2002. It is a cross-track scanning radiometer, making measurements over a wide field of view in 36 spectral bands with wavelengths from 0.41 to 14.5 micrometers and providing calibrated data products for science and research communities in their studies of the Earth s system of land, oceans, and atmosphere. A complete suite of on-board calibrators (OBC) have been designed for the instruments in-flight calibration and characterization, including a solar diffuser (SD) and solar diffuser stability monitor (SDSM) system for the radiometric calibration of the 20 reflective solar bands (RSB), a blackbody (BB) for the radiometric calibration of the 16 thermal emissive bands (TEB), and a spectro-radiometric calibration assembly (SRCA) for the spatial (all bands) and spectral (RSB only) characterization. This paper discusses MODIS in-flight Cali bration methodologies of using its on-board calibrators. Challenging issues and examples of tracking and correcting instrument on-orbit response changes are presented, including SD degradation (20% at 412nm, 12% at 466nm, and 7% at 530nm over four and a half years) and response versus scan angle changes (10%, 4%, and 1% differences between beginning of the scan and end of the scan at 412nm, 466nm, and 530nm) in the VIS spectral region. Current instrument performance and lessons learned are also provided.

Xiong, X.↗

NASA NTRS2004

An Overview of Lunar Calibration and Characterization for the EOS Terra and Aqua MODIS

The Moon can be used as a stable source for Earth-observing sensors on-orbit radiometric and spatial stability monitoring in the VIS and NIR spectral regions. It can also serve as a calibration transfer vehicle among multiple sensors. Nearly identical copies of the Moderate Resolution Imaging Spectroradiometer (MODE) have been operating on-board the NASA's Earth Observing System (EOS) Terra and Aqua satellites since their launches in December 1999 and May 2002, respectively. Terra and Aqua MODIS each make observations in 36 spectral bands covering the spectral range from 0.41 to 14.5 microns and are calibrated on-orbit by a set of on-board calibrations (OBCs) including: 1) a solar diffuser (SD), 2) a solar diffuser stability monitor (SDSM), 3) a blackbody (BB), and 4) a spectro-radiometric calibration assembly (SRCA). In addition to fully utilizing the OBCs, the Moon has been used extensively by both Terra and Aqua MODIS to support their on-orbit calibration and characterization. A 4 This paper provides an overview of applications of lunar calibration and characterization from the MODIS perspective, including monitoring radiometric calibration stability for the reflective solar bands (RSBs), tracking changes of the sensors response versus scan-angle (RVS), examining the sensors spatial performance , and characterizing optical leaks and electronic crosstalk among different spectral bands and detectors. On-orbit calibration consistency between the two MODIS instruments is also addressed. Based on the existing on-orbit time series of the Terra and Aqua MODIS lunar observations, the radiometric difference between the two sensors is less than +/-1% for the RSBs. This method provides a powerful means of performing calibration comparisons among Earth-observing sensors and assures consistent data and science products for the long-term studies of climate and environmental changes.

Xiong, X.↗

NASA NTRS2004

Challenging Issues for On-orbit Calibration in the VIS and NIR

On-orbit calibration of Earth-observing sensors in the VIS and NIR spectral regions is usually performed using the sensors on-board devices such as internal lamp(s) or solar diffuser plate(s) to provide calibration parameters. For sensors with no (or with less reliable) on-board calibrators, lunar calibration or ground validation approaches are often used. Each of these has its own set of problems that need to be fully addressed in order to support high quality on-orbit calibration and characterization. Some science products, such as Ocean color, may impose more stringent requirements that demand greater calibration precision. This paper uses MODIS as an example to illustrate challenging issues involved in VIS and NIR on-orbit calibration. It focuses on the solar diffuser (SD) calibration approach, including the effects due to SD BRF, SD attenuation screen(s), and earthshine. The impact of optics (solar diffuser and scan mirror) on-orbit degradation, including changes in the sensor s response versus scan angle (RVS), on the calibration and subsequent data quality is also discussed.

Xiong, X.↗

NASA NTRS2004

On-orbit Characterization of RVS for MODIS Thermal Emissive Bands

Response versus scan angle (RVS) is a key calibration parameter for remote sensing radiometers that make observations using a scanning optical system, such as a scan mirror in MODIS and GLI or a rotating telescope in SeaWiFS and VIIRS, since the calibration is typically performed at a fixed viewing angle while the Earth scene observations are made over a range of viewing angles. Terra MODIS has been in operation for more than four years since its launch in December 1999. It has 36 spectral bands covering spectral range from visible (VIS) to long-wave infrared (LWIR). It is a cross-track scanning radiometer using a two-sided paddle wheel scan mirror, making observations over a wide field of view (FOV) of +/-55 deg from the instrument nadir. This paper describes on-orbit characterization of MODIS RVS for its thermal emissive bands (TEB), using the Earth view data collected during Terra spacecraft deep space maneuvers (DSM). Comparisons with pre-launch analysis and early on-orbit measurements are also provided.

Xiong, X.↗

NASA NTRS2004

An Overview of MODIS Calibration and Characterization

The MODerate Resolution Imaging Spectroradiometer (MODIS) is one of the key instruments for the NASA s Earth Observing System (EOS). It is currently operating on both EOS Terra and Aqua satellites. The MODIS is a major advance over its heritage sensors in terms of its spectral, spatial, and temporal resolutions with frequent global observations and a broad range of science applications. There are 20 reflective solar bands (RSB) with center wavelengths ranging from 0.41 to 2.l microns and 16 thermal emissive bands (TEB) from 3.7 to 14.4 microns. The absolute radiometric accuracy requirements (lsigma) at the typical spectral radiance levels are plus or minus 2% for the RSB reflectance factors and plus or minus 5% for the RSB radiance products. With few exceptions, the TEB requirements are plus or minus 1%. To verify that the instruments met their specified design requirements both Terra and Aqua MODIS underwent extensive pre-launch calibration and characterization at various levels, including system-level thermal vacuum testing. On-orbit calibration and characterization are performed by the on-board calibrators: a solar diffuser (SD) and a solar diffuser stability monitor (SDSM), a V-groove flat panel blackbody (BB), and a spectro-radiometric calibration assembly (SRCA). In this paper, we present an overview of MODIS calibration and characterization activities, methodologies, and lessons learned from pre-launch testing and on-orbit operations. Key issues to be discussed include our on-orbit efforts of monitoring detectors noise characterization, tracking solar diffuser and optics degradation, and updating sensor s response versus scan-angle. The MODIS experience has provided invaluable lessons that are being used in designing and testing the Visible Infrared Imaging Radiometer Suite (VIIRS), a direct follow-on to the MODIS that will be flown on the National Polar-Orbit Operational Environmental Satellite System (NPOESS) missions.

Xiong, X.↗

NASA NTRS2004

MODIS On-orbit Spectral Calibration for the Reflective Solar Bands

The Moderate Resolution Imaging Spectroradiometer (MODIS) makes observations in 36 spectral bands with wavelengths from 0.41 to 14.5 microns. The bands with center wavelengths below 2.2 microns are referred as the reflective solar bands (RSB) with their radiometric calibration performed by a solar diffuser (SD) and a solar diffuser stability monitor (SDSM). This paper focuses on the MODIS spectral calibration performed by its unique on-board calibrator (OBC): the Spectro-Radiometric Calibration Assembly (SRCA). When operated in the spectral mode, the SRCA acts as a monochromator with internal spherical integration source (SIS) that measures the spectral responses for all the reflective solar bands. A wavelength calibrator, a didymium filter with known spectral profile, is utilized to calibrate the wavelength scale for the grating positions during each SRCA spectral calibration activity. The capability of self-wavelength calibration allows the SRCA to track the center wavelength shifts and to monitor the spectral response changes throughout the instruments lifetime. The MODIS spectral calibration, same for both Terra and Aqua missions, is performed every three months on-orbit. An overview of MODIS spectral characterization approach and a summary of the on-orbit results will be presented in this paper.

Xiong, X.↗

NASA NTRS2001

Degradation of MODIS Optics and its Reflective Solar Bands Calibration

The MODerate Resolution Imaging Spectroradiometer (MODIS) has 36 spectral bands with wavelength ranging from 0.41 micron to 14.5 micron and spatial resolution between 0.25, 0.5, and 1.0 km at Nadir. Its ProtoFlight Model (PFM) on the NASA EOS Terra spacecraft has been providing global coverage of the Land, Ocean, and Atmosphere for the science community since the instrument opened its Nadir door on 24 February 2000. The MODIS optical system consists of a 2-sided paddle wheel scan mirror, a fold mirror, a primary mirror, and other aft optics. The sensor's 20 reflective solar bands from 0.41 to 2.1 micron are calibrated on-orbit by a solar diffuser (SD) and a solar diffuser stability monitor (SDSM). In addition to SD, degradation of the MODIS optics in the reflective solar bands has been observed, including variations in degradation between the two sides of the MODIS scan mirror. During MODIS first year of on-orbit operation, the overall degradations at the shortest wavelength (0.41 micron) are about 3% for SD, and in excess of 10% for the MODIS system. In this paper, we will present our degradation analysis results and discuss their impact on the reflective solar bands' on-orbit calibration.

Xiong, X.↗

NASA NTRS2001

On-Orbit Performance of MODIS On-Board Calibrators

The Terra MODIS (Moderate Resolution Imaging Spectroradiometer) was launched on December 18, 1999 and acquired the first scene data on February 24, 2000. It has 36 spectral bands covering spectral range from 0.41 to 14.2 microns and provides spatial resolutions of 250 (2 bands), 500 (5 bands), and 1000 m at Nadir. The instrument on-orbit calibration and characterization are determined and monitored through the use of a number of on-board calibrators (OBC). Radiometric calibration for the reflective solar bands (B1-B19, B26), from VIS (visible) to SWIR (short wavelength infrared) (0.41 to 2.1 microns), uses a Spectralon (tm) solar diffuser (SD) and a solar diffuser stability monitor (SDSM). For the thermal emissive bands (B20-B25, B27-B36), from MWIR (medium wavelength infrared) to LWIR (long wavelength infrared) (3.75 to 14.2 micron), a V-grooved flat panel blackbody is used. The instrument spectral for the VIS to SWIR bands and spatial co-registration characterizations for all bands are monitored on-orbit by the spectral radiometric calibration assembly (SRCA). In this report, we discuss the application and performance of the key MODIS on-board calibrators and their impacts on the instrument system calibration and characterization.

Xiong, X.↗

NASA NTRS2001

Degradation of MODIS Optics During the First Year of On-Orbit Operation

The MODIS (Moderate Resolution Imaging Spectroradiometer) sensor on the NASA EOS (Earth Observing System) Terra spacecraft has completed more than one year of on-orbit operation since the instrument opened its Nadir door for the scene data collection on 24 February 2000. Its 20 reflective solar bands, from VIS (visible) to SWIR (shortwavelength infrared) (0.41 to 2.1 micron), are calibrated on-orbit by a solar diffuser (SD) and a solar diffuser stability monitor (SDSM). Degradation in the reflective solar bands has been observed in the reflectance of the on board solar diffuser and for the MODIS optics. Variations in degradation of up to 3% are evident between the two sides of the MODIS scan mirror. Degradation of the SD is tracked with the solar diffuser stability monitor, and degradation of the entire MODIS system is tracked by SD observations, adjusted for SD changes. Overall degradation at the shortest wavelengths (near 400 nm) are up to 3% for SD, and in excess of 10% for the MODIS system. Degradation of the SD and full MODIS system for the sensor's reflective solar bands will be described in this report.

Guenther, B.↗