An instrument for making radiometric measurements of the earth's surface and atmosphere is described. ITPR utilizes the spectral intervals at 3.8 mym, 11.1 mym (windows), the 15 mym CO2 absorption region, and the 20 mym rotational water vapor absorption band to provide the necessary data points to permit the computer derivation of temperature and humidity profiles from the surface to 1 MPa (10 mbar). The ITPR also makes use of raster scanning with relatively small fields of view to allow prediction of surface temperatures in relatively cloudy areas. The ITPR represents one of the first successful applications of pyroelectric infrared detectors for spacecraft applications. The electro-optical problems are discussed. The necessary extensive calibration techniques used to ensure the required accuracy are described. The instrument was successfully launched aboard NASA's Nimbus E (now Nimbus 5) spacecraft in December of 1972.
The design, construction, and calibration of an infrared temperature profile radiometer (ITPR) for Nimbus E
Entwurf, Konstruktion und Eichung eines Temperaturprofil-IR-Radiometers fuer Nimbus E
ISA Transactions ; 13 , 2 ; 101-119
1974
19 Seiten, 23 Bilder, 2 Tabellen, 5 Quellen
Article (Journal)
English