Postlaunch performance of the Suomi National Polar-orbiting Partnership Ozone Mapping and Profiler Suite (OMPS) nadir sensors

• Published in: Journal of geophysical research. Atmospheres 2014-04, Vol.119 (7), p.4413-4428
• Main Authors: Seftor, C. J., Jaross, G., Kowitt, M., Haken, M., Li, J., Flynn, L. E.
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• Subjects: Calibration; Diffusers; Geophysics; Instrumention; Ozone; Profilers; Radiance; Remote sensing; Sensors; Specifications; Wavelengths
• ISSN: 2169-897X; 2169-8996
• DOI: 10.1002/2013JD020472

The prelaunch specifications for nadir sensors of the Ozone Mapping and Profiler Suite (OMPS) were designed to ensure that measurements from them could be used to retrieve total column ozone and nadir ozone profile information both for operational use and for use in long‐term ozone data records. In this paper, we will show results from our extensive analysis of the performance of the nadir mapper (NM) and nadir profiler (NP) sensors during the first year and a half of OMPS nadir operations. In most cases, we determined that both sensors meet or exceed their prelaunch specifications. Normalized radiance (radiance divided by irradiance) measurements have been determined to be well within their 2% specification for both sensors. In the case of stray light, the NM sensor is within its 2% specification for all but the shortest wavelengths, while the NP sensor is within its 2% specification for all but the longest wavelengths. Artifacts that negatively impacted the sensor calibration due to diffuser features were reduced to less than 1% through changes made in the solar calibration sequence. Preliminary analysis of the disagreement between measurements made by the NM and NP sensors in the region where their wavelengths overlap indicates that it is due to shifts in the shared dichroic filter after launch and that it can be corrected. In general, our analysis indicates that both the NM and NP sensors are performing well, that they are stable, and that any deviations from nominal performance can be well characterized and corrected. Key Points The SNPP OMPS nadir sensors are performing nominallySolar calibration sequence modified in orbit to minimize diffuser featuresThe sensors are stable, with any degradation being correctable