Instrument Calibration Information - ENVISAT_AATSR

The AATSR instrument on-board the ENVISAT satellite is a low-resolution conical imaging spectrometer operating in the visible, near-infrared, mid-infrared and thermal spectrum. Data are acquired through seven bands with a 1 kilometre spatial resolution. The (A)ATSR instruments are unique in their use of along track scanning to provide two views of the surface and thus improve atmospheric correction. The surface is first viewed along the direction of the orbit track, at an angle of 55°, as the spacecraft flies towards the scene. Then, 150 seconds later, or when the satellite has moved approximately 1000 km forward along the ground track, a second observation is made of the same scene at the sub-satellite point. The prime scientific objective of the Advanced Along Track Scanning Radiometer (AATSR) is to establish continuity of the ATSR-1 and ATSR-2 data sets of precise sea surface temperature (SST), thereby ensuring the production of a unique 10 year near-continuous data set at the levels of accuracy required (0.3 K or better) for climate research and for the community of operational as well as scientific users who have been developed through the ERS-1 and ERS-2 missions.