Instrument characteristics and calibration of AMSR and AMSR-E

The National Space Development Agency of Japan (NASDA) developed two spaceborne microwave radiometers: the Advanced Microwave Scanning Radiometer (AMSR) for NASDA's Advanced Earth Observing Satellite-II (ADEOS-II) and AMSR-E for NASA's Aqua satellite. Each instrument, as well as the combination of instruments, will provide valuable information for understanding the mechanism of global water and energy circulation. To accomplish the mission, it is necessary to provide reliable, well-calibrated data. Several post-launch calibration and validation activities are then planned in addition to two-point, on-board calibration of the instruments.