Measuring the Accuracy of MARSS—An Airborne Microwave Radiometer

Andrew McGrath Met Office, Farnborough, Hampshire, United Kingdom

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Tim Hewison Met Office, Farnborough, Hampshire, United Kingdom

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Abstract

An airborne microwave radiometer has been thoroughly characterized by the Met Office, using a thermal-vacuum test facility and flight test data. Scan dependence due to mirror reflectivity considerations, as well as calibration target thermometry, target thermal gradients, radiometer noise, and radiometer stability are quantified. A resultant accuracy of approximately 1 K is achieved.

Corresponding author address: Dr. Andrew McGrath, Met Office, Bldg. Y70, Cody Technology Park, Ively Road, Farnborough, Hampshire GU14 0LX, United Kingdom. Email: andrew.mcgrath@metoffice.com

Abstract

An airborne microwave radiometer has been thoroughly characterized by the Met Office, using a thermal-vacuum test facility and flight test data. Scan dependence due to mirror reflectivity considerations, as well as calibration target thermometry, target thermal gradients, radiometer noise, and radiometer stability are quantified. A resultant accuracy of approximately 1 K is achieved.

Corresponding author address: Dr. Andrew McGrath, Met Office, Bldg. Y70, Cody Technology Park, Ively Road, Farnborough, Hampshire GU14 0LX, United Kingdom. Email: andrew.mcgrath@metoffice.com

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