SSM/T-2 Calibration Data Analyses

Abstract

The newest sensor to be deployed on board the DMSP Block 5D-2 series of satellites is the Special Sensor Microwave Water Vapor Sounder (SSMTT-2). The SSMK-2, a five-channel passive radiometer system is the first operational microwave water vapor sounder to be place on orbit. Of primary importance to the success of any satellite instrument is its calibration. In this study, independent comparisons with the SSM/T-2 observed radiances were made with contemporaneous measurements from aircraft and model calculations. Results of both calibration approaches are discussed below.