Post-launch Performance Assessment of Metop-C Advanced Microwave Sounding Unit-A (AMSU-A) Instrument Noise and Antenna Temperature Data

The performance of on-orbit satellite microwave instrument noise equivalent differential temperature (NEDT) and Temperature Data Record (TDR) data is always critical for the broad user community in both environmental data record (EDR) product retrieval and numerical weather prediction applications. Based on intensive pre-launch and post-launch calibration studies [1]-[5], this study assesses the post-launch performance of Metop-C AMSU-A instrument noise and antenna temperature data since the launch. It also conducts the quality assessment of the AMSU-A data in comparison with radiative transfer model (RTM) simulations, legacy NOAA-18/19 and Metop-A/B AMSU-A observations, and NOAA-20 ATMS observations. Finally, this study addresses impact of polarization and wavelength inconsistency on AMSU-A antenna temperature differences against ATMS.