Monitoring Measurements from the Jason-1 Microwave Radiometer and Independent Validation with GPS

The Jason-1 Microwave Radiometer (JMR) provides measurements of the wet troposphere content to correct the altimetric range measurement for the associated path delay. Various techniques are used to monitor the JMR wet troposphere path delays, with measurements of zenith troposphere content from terrestrial GPS sites used as an independent verification technique. Results indicate that an unexpected offset of approximately +4.1 ± 1.2 mm (drier) emerged in the JMR measurements of wet path delay between cycles 28-32 of the Jason-1 mission, and that the measurements may be drifting at a rate of approximately -0.5 mm/year. These anomalies are shown to be caused by a -0.7 K offset in 23.8 GHz brightness temperatures between cycles 28-32, and a 0.16 ± 0.04 and -0.45 ± 0.08 K/year drift in the 18.7 and 34.0 GHz brightness temperatures, respectively. Intercomparison of the 3-Hz JMR brightness temperature measurements show that they have been drifting with respect to each other, and that a dependence on yaw-steering regime is present in these measurements. An offset of 0.5 m/s between cycles 28-32 and a drift of approximately 0.5 m/s/year in the JMR wind speed measurements is also associated with these anomalies in the 1-Hz brightness temperatures. These errors in JMR wind speeds presently have a negligible impact on the retrieved JMR path delays.     

Monitoring the TOPEX and Jason-1 Microwave Radiometers with GPS and VLBI Wet Zenith Path Delays

Monitoring of altimeter microwave radiometer measurements is necessary in order to identify radiometer drifts or offsets that if uncorrected will introduce systematic errors into ocean height measurements. To examine TOPEX Microwave Radiometer (TMR) and Jason-1 Microwave Radiometer (JMR) behavior, we have used coincident wet zenith delay estimates from Very Long Baseline Interferometry (VLBI) and Global Positioning System (GPS) geodetic sites near altimeter ground tracks. We derived a TMR path delay drift rate of -1.1 ± 0.1 mm/yr using GPS data for the period from 1993.0-1999.0 and -1.2 ± 0.5 mm/yr using VLBI data. Thereafter, the drift appears to have leveled off. Already after 2.3 years (82 cycles) of the Jason-1 mission, it is clear that there have been significant systematic errors in the JMR path delay measurements. From comparison with GPS wet delays, there is an offset of -5.2 ± 0.6 mm at about cycle 30 and a more abrupt offset of -11.5 ± 0.8 mm at cycle 69. If we look at the behavior of the JMR coldest brightness temperatures, we see that the offsets near cycle 30 and cycle 69 are mainly caused by corresponding offsets in the 23.8 GHz channel of -0.49 ± 0.12 K and -1.18 ± 0.13 K, although there is a small 34.0 GHz offset at cycle 69 of 0.75 ± 0.22 K. Drifts in the 18.0 and 34.0 GHz channels produce a small path delay drift of 0.3 ± 0.5 mm/yr.     

Monitoring the TOPEX and Jason-1 Microwave Radiometers with GPS and VLBI Wet Zenith Path Delays

Monitoring of altimeter microwave radiometer measurements is necessary in order to identify radiometer drifts or offsets that if uncorrected will introduce systematic errors into ocean height measurements. To examine TOPEX Microwave Radiometer (TMR) and Jason-1 Microwave Radiometer (JMR) behavior, we have used coincident wet zenith delay estimates from Very Long Baseline Interferometry (VLBI) and Global Positioning System (GPS) geodetic sites near altimeter ground tracks. We derived a TMR path delay drift rate of ?1.1 ± 0.1 mm/yr using GPS data for the period from 1993.0–1999.0 and ?1.2 ± 0.5 mm/yr using VLBI data. Thereafter, the drift appears to have leveled off. Already after 2.3 years (82 cycles) of the Jason-1 mission, it is clear that there have been significant systematic errors in the JMR path delay measurements. From comparison with GPS wet delays, there is an offset of ?5.2 ± 0.6 mm at about cycle 30 and a more abrupt offset of ?11.5 ± 0.8 mm at cycle 69. If we look at the behavior of the JMR coldest brightness temperatures, we see that the offsets near cycle 30 and cycle 69 are mainly caused by corresponding offsets in the 23.8 GHz channel of ?0.49 ± 0.12 K and ?1.18 ± 0.13 K, although there is a small 34.0 GHz offset at cycle 69 of 0.75 ± 0.22 K. Drifts in the 18.0 and 34.0 GHz channels produce a small path delay drift of 0.3 ± 0.5 mm/yr.     

Assessment of the Jason-1 and TOPEX/Poseidon Microwave Radiometer Performance Using GPS from Offshore Sites in the North Sea

The accuracy and drift of atmospheric path delay due to water vapor as derived from satellite microwave radiometers (MWR) is vital to altimetric measures of sea-level change. In this study a continuous time series of dual frequency GPS data from a number of offshore sites is used to examine the long term stability of the TOPEX/Poseidon radiometer and investigate initial performance of that of Jason-1. The location offshore eliminates the problems associated with land based/coastal locations where extrapolation of the GPS tropospheric correction to subsatellite points offshore are required to avoid background surface heat emissions contaminating the MWR delay measurement.     

The Harvest Experiment: Monitoring Jason-1 and TOPEX/POSEIDON from a California Offshore Platform Special Issue: Jason-1 Calibration/Validation

We present calibration results from Jason-1 (2001–) and TOPEX/POSEIDON (1992–) overflights of a California offshore oil platform (Harvest). Data from Harvest indicate that current Jason-1 sea-surface height (SSH) measurements are high by 138 ± 18 mm. Excepting the bias, the high accuracy of the Jason-1 measurements is in evidence from the overflights. In orbit for over 10 years, the T/P measurement system is well calibrated, and the SSH bias is statistically indistinguishable from zero. Also reviewed are over 10 years of geodetic results from the Harvest experiment.     

Jason-1 Precision Orbit Determination by Combining SLR and DORIS with GPS Tracking Data

With the implementation of the Jason-1 satellite altimeter mission, the goal of reaching the 1-cm level in orbit accuracy was set. To support the Precision Orbit Determination (POD) requirements, the Jason-1 spacecraft carries receivers for DORIS (Doppler Orbitography and Radiopositioning Integrated by Satellite) and GPS (Global Positioning System), as well as a retroreflector for SLR (Satellite Laser Ranging). The overall orbit accuracy for Jason will depend on the quality and the relative weighting of the available tracking data. In this study, the relative importance of the SLR, DORIS, and GPS tracking data is assessed along with the most effective parameterization for accounting for the unmodeled accelerations through the application of empirical accelerations. The optimal relative weighting for each type of tracking data was examined. It is demonstrated that GPS tracking alone is capable of supporting a radial orbit accuracy for Jason-1 at the 1-cm level, and that including SLR tracking provides additional benefits. It is also shown that the GRACE (Gravity Recovery and Climate Experiment) gravity model GGM01S provides a significant improvement in the orbit accuracy and reduction in the level of geographically correlated orbit errors.     

Cross-Calibration and Long-Term Monitoring of the Microwave Radiometers of ERS,TOPEX, GFO,Jason, and Envisat

The radiometers on board the satellites ERS-1, TOPEX/Poseidon, ERS-2, GFO, Jason-1, and Envisat measure brightness temperatures at two or three different frequencies to determine the total columnal water vapor content and wet tropospheric path delay, a major correction to the altimeter range measurements. In order to asses the long-term stability of the path delay, the radiometers are calibrated against vicarious cold and hot references, against each other, and against several atmospheric models. Four of these radiometers exhibit significant drifts in at least one of the channels, resulting in yet unmodeled errors in path delay of up to 1 mm/year, thus limiting the accuracy at which global sea level rise can be inferred from the altimeter range measurements.     

Cross-Calibration and Long-Term Monitoring of the Microwave Radiometers of ERS, TOPEX, GFO, Jason, and Envisat

The radiometers on board the satellites ERS-1, TOPEX/Poseidon, ERS-2, GFO, Jason-1, and Envisat measure brightness temperatures at two or three different frequencies to determine the total columnal water vapor content and wet tropospheric path delay, a major correction to the altimeter range measurements. In order to asses the long-term stability of the path delay, the radiometers are calibrated against vicarious cold and hot references, against each other, and against several atmospheric models. Four of these radiometers exhibit significant drifts in at least one of the channels, resulting in yet unmodeled errors in path delay of up to 1 mm/year, thus limiting the accuracy at which global sea level rise can be inferred from the altimeter range measurements.     

Jason-1 Precision Orbit Determination by Combining SLR and DORIS with GPS Tracking Data

With the implementation of the Jason-1 satellite altimeter mission, the goal of reaching the 1-cm level in orbit accuracy was set. To support the Precision Orbit Determination (POD) requirements, the Jason-1 spacecraft carries receivers for DORIS (Doppler Orbitography and Radiopositioning Integrated by Satellite) and GPS (Global Positioning System), as well as a retroreflector for SLR (Satellite Laser Ranging). The overall orbit accuracy for Jason will depend on the quality and the relative weighting of the available tracking data. In this study, the relative importance of the SLR, DORIS, and GPS tracking data is assessed along with the most effective parameterization for accounting for the unmodeled accelerations through the application of empirical accelerations. The optimal relative weighting for each type of tracking data was examined. It is demonstrated that GPS tracking alone is capable of supporting a radial orbit accuracy for Jason-1 at the 1-cm level, and that including SLR tracking provides additional benefits. It is also shown that the GRACE (Gravity Recovery and Climate Experiment) gravity model GGM01S provides a significant improvement in the orbit accuracy and reduction in the level of geographically correlated orbit errors.     

The 1-Centimeter Orbit: Jason-1 Precision Orbit Determination Using GPS,SLR, DORIS,and Altimeter Data Special Issue: Jason-1 Calibration/Validation

The Jason-1 radar altimeter satellite, launched on December 7, 2001 is the follow on to the highly successful TOPEX/Poseidon (T/P) mission and will continue the time series of centimeter level ocean topography measurements. Orbit error is a major component in the overall error budget of all altimeter satellite missions. Jason-1 is no exception and has set a 1-cm radial orbit accuracy goal, which represents a factor of two improvement over what is currently being achieved for T/P. The challenge to precision orbit determination (POD) is both achieving the 1-cm radial orbit accuracy and evaluating the performance of the 1-cm orbit. There is reason to hope such an improvement is possible. The early years of T/P showed that GPS tracking data collected by an on-board receiver holds great promise for precise orbit determination. In the years following the T/P launch there have been several enhancements to GPS, improving its POD capability. In addition, Jason-1 carries aboard an enhanced GPS receiver and significantly improved SLR and DORIS tracking systems along with the altimeter itself. In this article we demonstrate the 1-cm radial orbit accuracy goal has been achieved using GPS data alone in a reduced dynamic solution. It is also shown that adding SLR data to the GPS-based solutions improves the orbits even further. In order to assess the performance of these orbits it is necessary to process all of the available tracking data (GPS, SLR, DORIS, and altimeter crossover differences) as either dependent or independent of the orbit solutions. It was also necessary to compute orbit solutions using various combinations of the four available tracking data in order to independently assess the orbit performance. Towards this end, we have greatly improved orbits determined solely from SLR+DORIS data by applying the reduced dynamic solution strategy. In addition, we have computed reduced dynamic orbits based on SLR, DORIS, and crossover data that are a significant improvement over the SLR- and DORIS-based dynamic solutions. These solutions provide the best performing orbits for independent validation of the GPS-based reduced dynamic orbits. The application of the 1-cm orbit will significantly improve the resolution of the altimeter measurement, making possible further strides in radar altimeter remote sensing.     

Calibration of JASON-1 Altimeter over Lake Erie Special Issue: Jason-1 Calibration/Validation

This article describes absolute calibration results for both JASON-1 and TOPEX Side B (TSB) altimeters obtained at the Lake Erie calibration site, Marblehead, Ohio, USA. Using 15 overflights, the estimated JASON altimeter bias at Marblehead is 58 ± 38 mm, with an uncertainty of 19 mm based on detailed error analysis. Assuming that the TSB bias is negligible, relative bias estimates using both data from the TSB-JASON formation flight period and data from 48 water level gauges around the entire Great Lakes confirmed the Marblehead results. Global analyses using both the formation flight data and dual-satellite (TSB and JASON) crossovers yield a similar relative bias estimate of 146 ± 59 mm, which agrees well with open ocean absolute calibration results obtained at Harvest, Corsica, and Bass Strait (e.g., Watson et al. 2003). We find that there is a strong dependence of bias estimates on the choice of sea state bias (SSB) models. Results indicate that the invariant JASON instrument bias estimated oceanwide is 71 mm, with additional biases of 76 mm or 28 mm contributed by the choice of Collecte Localisation Satellites (CLS) SSB or Center for Space Research (CSR) SSB model, respectively. Similar analysis in the Great Lakes yields the invariant JASON instrument bias at 19 mm, with the SSB contributed biases at 58 mm or 13 mm, respectively. The reason for the discrepancy is currently unknown and warrants further investigation. Finally, comparison of the TOPEX/POSEIDON mission (1992–2002) data with the Great Lakes water level gauge measurements yields a negligible TOPEX altimeter drift of 0.1 mm/yr.     

An Assessment of Jason-1 Microwave Radiometer Measurements and Products

In the context of the sea level survey at the mm level, it is necessary all along the lifetime of the altimeter mission to survey the quality of the products from the microwave radiometer. The calibration of the brightness temperatures has been validated using reference brightness temperatures over selected continental areas as well as simulations for a wide range of oceanic and atmospheric situations. The validation of the wet path delay is performed by comparison with radiosonde measurements and pointed out that both the JMR and the TMR estimate wet path delay around 5 mm higher than the one measured by radiosondes. Furthermore, it appeared that the correction of the TMR drift degrades the product with respect to radiosonde measurements. The monitoring of the brightness temperatures since launch shows a mean drift around +0.1 K/year for the 18.7 GHz, -0.6 K/year for the 23.8 GHz channel, and around -0.4 K/year for the 34 GHz channel.     

基于星载微波辐射计的海洋大气参数反演算法研究

利用3个辐射传输模式对无冰无降水情况下的星载微波辐射计亮温测量进行仿真研究,通过模拟计算结果与同步卫星数据之间的比较分析,确定了用于反演算法研究的前向模式;利用该模式,提出了基于物理的星载微波辐射计海洋大气参数(包括海面风速、海表温度、大气垂直积分水汽量以及积分液态水量)多重线性回归算法。     

Jason Microwave Radiometer Performance and On-Orbit Calibration

Results are presented from the on-orbit calibration of the Jason Microwave Radiometer (JMR). The JMR brightness temperatures (TBs) are calibrated at the hottest and coldest ends of the instrument's dynamic range, using Amazon rain forest and vicarious cold on-Earth theoretical brightness temperature references. The retrieved path delay values are validated using collocated TOPEX Microwave Radiometer and Radiosonde Observation path delay (PD) values. Offsets of 1–4 K in the JMR TBs and 8–12 mm in the JMR PDs, relative to TMR measurements, were initially observed. There were also initial TB offsets of 2 K between the satellite's yaw state. The calibration was adjusted by tuning coefficients in the antenna temperature calibration algorithm and the antenna pattern correction algorithm. The calibrated path delay values are demonstrated to have no significant bias or scale errors with consistent performance in all nonprecipitating weather conditions. The uncertainty of the individual path delay measurements is estimated to be 0.74 cm ± 0.15, which exceeds the mission goal of 1.2 cm RMS.     

Jason Microwave Radiometer Performance and On-Orbit Calibration

Results are presented from the on-orbit calibration of the Jason Microwave Radiometer (JMR). The JMR brightness temperatures (TBs) are calibrated at the hottest and coldest ends of the instrument's dynamic range, using Amazon rain forest and vicarious cold on-Earth theoretical brightness temperature references. The retrieved path delay values are validated using collocated TOPEX Microwave Radiometer and Radiosonde Observation path delay (PD) values. Offsets of 1-4 K in the JMR TBs and 8-12 mm in the JMR PDs, relative to TMR measurements, were initially observed. There were also initial TB offsets of 2 K between the satellite's yaw state. The calibration was adjusted by tuning coefficients in the antenna temperature calibration algorithm and the antenna pattern correction algorithm. The calibrated path delay values are demonstrated to have no significant bias or scale errors with consistent performance in all nonprecipitating weather conditions. The uncertainty of the individual path delay measurements is estimated to be 0.74 cm ± 0.15, which exceeds the mission goal of 1.2 cm RMS.     

An Assessment of Jason-1 Microwave Radiometer Measurements and Products

In the context of the sea level survey at the mm level, it is necessary all along the lifetime of the altimeter mission to survey the quality of the products from the microwave radiometer. The calibration of the brightness temperatures has been validated using reference brightness temperatures over selected continental areas as well as simulations for a wide range of oceanic and atmospheric situations. The validation of the wet path delay is performed by comparison with radiosonde measurements and pointed out that both the JMR and the TMR estimate wet path delay around 5 mm higher than the one measured by radiosondes. Furthermore, it appeared that the correction of the TMR drift degrades the product with respect to radiosonde measurements. The monitoring of the brightness temperatures since launch shows a mean drift around +0.1 K/year for the 18.7 GHz, ?0.6 K/year for the 23.8 GHz channel, and around ?0.4 K/year for the 34 GHz channel.     

The Harvest Experiment: Monitoring Jason-1 and TOPEX/POSEIDON from a California Offshore Platform

We present calibration results from Jason-1 (2001-) and TOPEX/POSEIDON (1992-) overflights of a California offshore oil platform (Harvest). Data from Harvest indicate that current Jason-1 sea-surface height (SSH) measurements are high by 138 ± 18 mm. Excepting the bias, the high accuracy of the Jason-1 measurements is in evidence from the overflights. In orbit for over 10 years, the T/P measurement system is well calibrated, and the SSH bias is statistically indistinguishable from zero. Also reviewed are over 10 years of geodetic results from the Harvest experiment.     

Jason-1: Assessment of the System Performances Special Issue: Jason-1 Calibration/Validation

On 7 December 2001, Jason-1 was successfully launched by a Boeing Delta II rocket from the Vandenberg Air Force Base, California. The Jason-1 satellite will maintain the high accuracy altimeter service provided since 1992 by TOPEX/Poseidon (T/P), ensuring the continuity in observing and monitoring the Ocean Dynamics (intraseasonal to interannual changes, mean sea level, tides, etc.). Despite one-fourth the mass and power, the Jason-1 system has been designed to have basically the same performance as T/P, measuring sea surface topography at a centimetric level. This new CNES/NASA mission also provides near real-time data for sea state and ocean forecast. The first two months of the Jason-1 mission have been dedicated to the assessment of the overall system. The goals of this assessment phase were: 1. To assess the behavior of the spacecraft at the platform and payload levels (Jason-1 being the first program to call on the PROTEUS versatile multimission platform for Low and Medium Earth Orbit Missions developed in partnership between Alcatel Space and CNES); 2. To verify that platform performance requirements are met with respect to Jason-1 requirements; 3. To verify that payload instruments performance requirements evaluated at instrument level are met; 4. To assess the performance of the Jason-1 Ground System. This article will display the main outputs of the assessment of the system. It will demonstrate that all the elements of the onboard and ground systems are within the specifications. Provision of data to the Jason-1 Science Working Team started at the end of March 2002. This is the goal of a six-month phase after closure of the initial assessment phase to derive the error budget of the system in terms of altimetry user products.     

基于Jason-2校正辐射计的降雨率估计算法研究

采用Jason-2校正辐射计的亮温数据与GPM Ku波段测雨雷达的降雨率数据,开展基于Jason-2校正辐射计的降雨率估计算法研究。为避免波束填充效应,对Ku波段测雨雷达降雨率数据进行网格化处理,分别构建3×3,5×5及7×7网格的建模数据集和验证数据集,通过建模数据集建立了3种基于校正辐射计的降雨率估计算法研究,并通过验证数据集进行检验。结果表明:对GPM Ku波段测雨雷达的降雨数据进行3×3,5×5及7×7的网格化处理,可以在降雨率估计算法研究时有效避免波束填充效应,7×7网格化处理方法效果最优。对3种不同的算法比对,发现利用校正辐射计3个通道亮温信息的线性组合形式估计降雨率效果最优,相对偏差可达42.33%。     

One-Centimeter Orbit Determination for Jason-1: New GPS-Based Strategies

The U.S./French Jason-1 satellite is carrying a state-of-the-art GPS receiver to support precise orbit determination (POD) requirements. The performance of the Jason-1 “BlackJack” GPS receiver was strongly reflected in early POD results from the mission, enabling radial accuracies of 1-2 cm soon after the satellite's 2001 launch. We have made further advances in the GPS-based POD for Jason-1, most notably in describing the phase center variations of the on-board GPS antenna. We have also adopted new geopotential models from the Gravity Recovery and Climate Experiment (GRACE). The new strategies have enabled us to better exploit the unique contributions of the BlackJack GPS tracking data in the POD process. Results of both internal and external (e.g., laser ranging) comparisons indicate that orbit accuracies of 1 cm (radial RMS) are being achieved for Jason-1 using GPS data alone.