The VIRS sensor and Level-1 software are performing as anticipated. Several
minor problems in the algorithms and software that were present at launch
have been corrected. The VIRS passive cooler did not fully return to its
original temperature after the pitch maneuver on January 7 which resulted
in a slight increase in the responsitivity and NEDT of Bands 3-5.
However, after the safehold on April 23, the cooler was warmed completely
and then, on cool down, returned to its original operational temperature.
Data shown by the CERES group at the recent Science Team meeting provide
an independent assessment of both geolocation and radiometric calibration
of the VIRS data. Crosstrack geolocation errors were determined to be 0.63
km with a standard deviation of 0.29 km and along track errors were -0.20
km with a standard deviation of 0.46 km. Corrections have been implemented
that will reduce the crosstrack error. Comparison by the CERES group of
VIRS Band 1 data with NOAA/AVHRR data indicates a radiometric error of
less than 5%. Similar comparisons of Bands 4 and 5 show temperature errors
of less than 0.2%. Their attempt to compare the VIRS 3.75 micron band (Band
3) with the GOES 3.9 micron band showed temperature differences of 12%.
On orbit calibration of Bands 1 and 2 is accomplished via observations
of both the sun and moon. To date, there have been 11 solar calibrations
performed and there has been no discernable degradation of Bands 1 and
2. The lunar observation data is still being evaluated.