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At least 505 records · Page 28

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NASA NTRS2022

Vicarious Calibration of the Long Near Infrared Band: Cross-Sensor Differences in Sensitivity

Numerous assumptions and approximations are employed when translating satellite-derived radiance to surface remote sensing reflectance (RRS) for ocean color applications. Among these is the vicarious calibration coefficient (g) of the “long” near infrared band (NIRL) used for atmospheric correction. For this band, the prelaunch calibration has always been deemed sufficient [thus g(NIRL) = 1.00] as long as other bands are vicariously calibrated. Recent research, however, suggests that Moderate Resolution Imaging Spectroradiometer (MODIS)/Aqua RRS time series is quite sensitive to g(NIRL) (and associated vicarious gains in other bands). In this work, we assessed the sensitivity of Visible Infrared Imaging Radiometer Suite onboard the Suomi National Polar-orbiting Partnership satellite (VIIRS/SNPP) RRS to NIRL calibration and compared our results to previous MODIS/Aqua and Sea-viewing Wide Field-of-View Sensor onboard OrbView2 (SeaWiFS)/OrbView2 analysis. In doing so, we note that g(NIRL) sensitivities of mission-averaged RRS time series are lower for VIIRS and Sea-WiFS, relative to MODIS. At the scale of monthly climatologies (MCs), however, all sensors show prominent g(NIRL) sensitivity with that of SeaWiFS being the most substantial. These findings informed simulation analyses, whereby we identified signal-tonoise ratio (SNR) and radiant path geometry, as well as their interaction, as having notable impacts on g(NIRL) sensitivity. As such, g(NIRL) sensitivity is a necessary consideration for reflectance uncertainty budgets, especially for sensors with higher NIR SNR or particular prevailing radiant path geometries. Given the geometry components embedded within g(NIRL) sensitivity, such studies should be coupled with cross-sensor intercalibrations [e.g., using simultaneous same view (SSV) measurements] toward minimizing NIRL errors between satellite instruments, but such efforts will not completely remediate remaining cross-sensor biases in RRS. Index Terms—Moderate Resolution Imaging Spectroradiometer (MODIS)/Aqua, ocean color, ocean gyres, Sea-viewing Wide Field-of-View Sensor onboard OrbView2 (SeaWiFS), system vicarious calibration (SVC), Visible Infrared Imaging Radiometer Suite onboard the Suomi National Polar-orbiting Partnership satellite (VIIRS/SNPP).

MODIS↗

NASA NTRS2022

Evaluating the Calibration and Validation of the Clouds and the Earth’s Radiant Energy System (CERES) instruments on Terra and Aqua Over Twenty Years

Six Clouds and the Earth’s Radiant Energy System (CERES) instruments on four satellites are used to produce a global continuous multi-decadal record of Earth’s radiation budget (ERB) at the top-of-atmosphere (TOA). Each CERES instrument was calibrated and characterized on the ground before launch, while post-launch calibration is conducted using on-board calibration sources. The performance of the CERES instruments is verified using vicarious approaches involving both Earth and celestial targets. In this paper, we describe the calibration and validation approach and demonstrate the performance of the CERES instruments on the Terra and Aqua spacecrafts over the twenty-year period since launch. Validation results demonstrate that after applying the appropriate calibration corrections, all four instruments are stable and perform consistently with each other. Comparisons of observations between instruments on the two spacecrafts during orbital crossings further confirm the consistent performance across all instruments over the twenty year period.

Terra↗

NASA NTRS1972

Calibration of platinum resistance thermometers.

Results of five years experience in calibrating about 1000 commercial platinum resistance thermometers (PRT) are reported. These PRT were relatively small and rugged, with ice-point resistances from 200 to 5000 ohms. Calibrations normalized in terms of resistance-difference ratios (Cragoe Z function) were found to be remarkably uniform for five of six different types of PRT tested, and to agree very closely with normalized calibrations of the primary reference standard type PRT. The Z function normalization cancels residual resistances which are not temperature dependent and simplifies interpolation between calibration points when the quality of a given type of PRT has been established in terms of uniform values of the Z function. Measurements at five or six well spaced base-point temperatures with Z interpolation will suffice to calibrate a PRT accurately from 4 to 900 K.

Sinclair, D. H.↗

NASA NTRS1974

The tropospheric calibration model for Mariner Mars 1971

The effects of the troposphere on arrival time, range, and range rate measurement of radio signals propagating from spacecraft are examined. A tropospheric calibration model which takes into account seasonal variations, various elevations, and apparent location changes was developed. A comparison was made of the effects before and after calibration. Without calibration, a 16-m change in the distance off the spin axis, is induced for a 10-deg minimum elevation symmetrical pass. Even after calibration with the old model, the error in spin axis is still greater than 1 m. Calibration results and estimated uncertainties of the model are given in tabular form. Test results also show that the model met the required accuracy for the Mariner Mars 1971 mission.

C. C. Chao↗

NASA NTRS1974

Calibration effects on orbit determination

The effects of charged particle and tropospheric calibrations on the orbit determination (OD) process are analyzed. The calibration process consisted of correcting the Doppler observables for the media effects. Calibrated and uncalibrated Doppler data sets were used to obtain OD results for past missions as well as Mariner Mars 1971. Comparisons of these Doppler reductions show the significance of the calibrations. For the MM'71 mission, the media calibrations proved themselves effective in diminishing the overall B-plane error and reducing the Doppler residual signatures.

Madrid, G. A.↗

NASA NTRS1974

Skylab Apollo Telescope Mount Calibration Rocket Project

The Calibration Rocket (CALROC) Project was established to provide calibration data for the Harvard College Observatory (S055) and the Naval Research Laboratory (S082) ultraviolet solar experiments on Skylab to provide compensation for any change in performance during the long mission in the space environment after the preflight calibration. The calibration instruments were smaller-scale, lighter-weight, but similar in performance to the S055 and S082 experiments. They were launched on Black Brant VC sounding rockets from White Sands Missile Range, New Mexico. The CALROC instruments were calibrated before launch and verified after flight. Each flight obtained approximately four minutes of data on an area of the sun which was then observed by the Skylab astronauts with the ATM experiments on three successive orbits.

Frank, M. W.↗

NASA NTRS1975

Calibration of large area scintillation counters on cosmic rays

Construction and calibration are reported for a 6-sq m scintillation counter consisting of two pieces of clear Lucite optically joined along a common edge, sixteen squares of plastic scintillator optically coupled on top of the Lucite, and eight photomultiplier tubes for light collection. Calibration of this counter using an anticoincidence counter to exclude multiple particle events is described. Theoretical calculations for purely electromagnetic extensive air showers indicate that this counter should detect an average of 2.5 particles per event, while the calibration data yield about 1.8 particles per event. It is shown that the anticoincidence-counter calibration method must be used for counters with areas of more than a few square meters if calibration on the response from a single particle of an extensive air shower is desired.

Saterlie, S. F.↗

NASA NTRS1975

In-flight calibration of the high-gain antenna pointing for the Mariner Venus-Mercury 1973 spacecraft

The methods used to in-flight calibrate the pointing direction of the Mariner Venus-Mercury 1973 spacecraft high gain antenna and the achieved antenna pointing accuracy are described. The overall pointing calibration was accomplished by performing calibration sequences at a number of points along the spacecraft trajectory. Each of these consisted of articulating the antenna about the expected spacecraft-earth vector to determine systematic pointing errors. The high gain antenna pointing system, the error model used in the calibration, and the calibration and pointing strategy and results are discussed.

Hardman, J. M.↗

NASA NTRS1976

The development of an electrochemical technique for in situ calibrating of combustible gas detectors

A program to determine the feasibility of performing in situ calibration of combustible gas detectors was successfully completed. Several possible techniques for performing the in situ calibration were proposed. The approach that showed the most promise involved the use of a miniature water vapor electrolysis cell for the generation of hydrogen within the flame arrestor of a combustible gas detector to be used for the purpose of calibrating the combustible gas detectors. A preliminary breadboard of the in situ calibration hardware was designed, fabricated and assembled. The breadboard equipment consisted of a commercially available combustible gas detector, modified to incorporate a water vapor electrolysis cell, and the instrumentation required for controlling the water vapor electrolysis and controlling and calibrating the combustible gas detector. The results showed that operation of the water vapor electrolysis at a given current density for a specific time period resulted in the attainment of a hydrogen concentration plateau within the flame arrestor of the combustible gas detector.

Shumar, J. W.↗

NASA NTRS1978

Wind tunnel and flight calibration of the Shuttle Orbiter air data system

The Space Shuttle Orbiter air data system has been subjected to wind tunnel testing including three subsonic tests and one reference probe calibration test in order to obtain preflight calibration. Calibration curves for angle of attack, static pressure, and total pressure are given in the 0.35-0.55 Mach number range which represents flight conditions. The major difficulties encountered concerned the reference pressure of the facility, model-probe scale discrepancies, tunnel changes and blockage effects. Actual flight data calibrations from the approach and landing test program were used to modify the wind tunnel calibrations.

Hillje, E. R.↗

NASA NTRS1980

Viking Orbiter 75 in-flight pointing calibration of the high-gain antenna

An in-flight pointing calibration technique developed for the Viking Orbiter high-gain antenna has been validated through actual flight usage. The desired telecommunications performance dictated that the high-gain antenna pointing error be held at 0.7 deg, which would have been exceeded without calibration. The in-flight calibration methodology required the development of a stochastic model of the spacecraft rotational biases and earth-received signal strength measurements. The signal strength measurements, which were performed at X-band frequency, were used as observations to estimate the rotational biases and their corresponding uncertainties. Reducing the uncertainties of these parameters resulted in increased antenna pointing accuracy. The initial pointing offset was estimated to be in excess of 1 deg, and after in-flight calibration it was reduced to about 0.66 deg. About 50% of the original offset could not be calibrated, thus the improvement on the remaining offset is better than 50%.

Assefi, T.↗

NASA NTRS1982

Static calibration for measurement of loads in wind tunnel tests on Shuttle surface tiles

A description is given of the procedures used for the static calibrations of the Coe (1981) sensor array to determine normal force, pitching moment, and rolling moment from the ensemble of sensor outputs. The use of independent data to confirm the validity of the calibration is also described. Two methods are used in calibrating the Coe sensors. In the first, calibration loads and readings are arranged in matrix form and are assumed to be related in a linear fashion. In the second, each Coe sensor reading is regarded as a sum of contributions from each of the calibration loads. It is shown that the Coe load sensors, in conjunction with either of two data analysis methods, can be used to determine the forces and moments experienced by a Shuttle TPS tile.

Rummler, D. R.↗

NASA NTRS1982

Preston tube calibrations and direct force floating element measurements in a two-dimensional turbulent boundary layer

Preston tubes provide a convenient means of estimating local wall shear stress. Practical difficulties arise from a lack of calibration data obtained in turbulent boundary layer flows and from the wide choice of calibration equations available mainly from pipe flow calibrations. The results of an experimental study comparing a large number of direct force local wall shear stress measurements in a near-zero pressure gradient two-dimensional turbulent boundary layer flow are presented. The results indicate that there is consistent and excellent agreement between the Patel intermediate calibration formula and the direct force measurements. Typical differences among the direct force measurements and several other proposed calibration equations are also shown.

Mcallister, J. E.↗

NASA NTRS1982

Performance of the Rotor Systems Research Aircraft calibrated rotor loads measurement system

The compound Rotor Systems Research Aircraft (RSRA) is designed to make high accuracy, simultaneous measurements of all rotor forces and moments in flight. Physical calibration of the rotor force- and moment-measurement system when installed in the aircraft is required to account for any errors and to ensure that measurement system accuracy is traceable to the National Bureau of Standards. The first static calibration and associated analysis has been completed with good results. Hysteresis was a potential cause of static calibration errors, but was found to be negligible in flight, and analytical methods have been devised to eliminate its effects on calibration data. Flight tests confirmed that the calibrated rotor loads measurement system performs as expected in flight, and that it can dependably make direct measurements of fuselage vertical drag in hover.

Acree, C. W., Jr.↗

NASA NTRS1982

SUMS calibration test report

Calibration was performed on the shuttle upper atmosphere mass spectrometer (SUMS). The results of the calibration and the as run test procedures are presented. The output data is described, and engineering data conversion factors, tables and curves, and calibration on instrument gauges are included. Static calibration results which include: instrument sensitive versus external pressure for N2 and O2, data from each scan of calibration, data plots from N2 and O2, and sensitivity of SUMS at inlet for N2 and O2, and ratios of 14/28 for nitrogen and 16/32 for oxygen are given.

Robertson, G.↗

NASA NTRS1982

Absolute radiometric calibration of advanced remote sensing systems

The distinction between the uses of relative and absolute spectroradiometric calibration of remote sensing systems is discussed. The advantages of detector-based absolute calibration are described, and the categories of relative and absolute system calibrations are listed. The limitations and problems associated with three common methods used for the absolute calibration of remote sensing systems are addressed. Two methods are proposed for the in-flight absolute calibration of advanced multispectral linear array systems. One makes use of a sun-illuminated panel in front of the sensor, the radiance of which is monitored by a spectrally flat pyroelectric radiometer. The other uses a large, uniform, high-radiance reference ground surface. The ground and atmospheric measurements required as input to a radiative transfer program to predict the radiance level at the entrance pupil of the orbital sensor are discussed, and the ground instrumentation is described.

Slater, P. N.↗

NASA NTRS1982

Absolute radiometric calibration of advanced remote sensing systems

Slater, P. N.↗

NASA NTRS1984

Results of the first complete static calibration of the RSRA rotor-load-measurement system

The compound Rotor System Research Aircraft (RSRA) is designed to make high-accuracy, simultaneous measurements of all rotor forces and moments in flight. Physical calibration of the rotor force- and moment-measurement system when installed in the aircraft is required to account for known errors and to ensure that measurement-system accuracy is traceable to the National Bureau of Standards. The first static calibration and associated analysis have been completed with good results. Hysteresis was a potential cause of static calibration errors, but was found to be negligible in flight compared to full-scale loads, and analytical methods have been devised to eliminate hysteresis effects on calibration data. Flight tests confirmed that the calibrated rotor-load-measurement system performs as expected in flight and that it can dependably make direct measurements of fuselage vertical drag in hover.

Acree, C. W., Jr.↗