On-orbit status of TANSO onboard GOSAT

ABSTRACT To monitor the global column concentration of carbon dioxide (CO 2 ) and methane (CH 4 ) from space, the Greenhouse gases Observing SATellite (GOSAT) was launched on January 23, 2009. The Thermal And Near infrared Sensor for carbon Observation Fourier-Transform Spectrometer (TANSO -FTS) and Cloud and Aerosol Imager (TANSO-CAI) are onboard GOSAT to derive the precise amount of CO 2 and CH 4 in the earth’s atmosphere. The first high spectral resolution SWIR spectra by TANSO-FTS and the image by TANSO-CAI were acquired on Feb. 7, 2009. TANSO has been continuously measuring CO 2 and CH 4 distributions globally every three days, and data distribution to the public has started from Feb. 16, 2010. Over two year operation periods, the radiometric, geometric and spectroscopic characterizations of TANSO have been continuously conducted with updating the Level-1 processing algorithm. Time-series of radiometric, geomet ric and spectroscopic response were determined and performed with on-orbit and vicarious calibrations. In the updated Level-1 processing, the newly de veloped correction algorithm for micro-vibration effects is operationally installed and improved the accuracy of medium gain condition. In this presentation, the detail of on-orbit characterization and the current status of TANSO will be described.. Keywords: GOSAT, TANSO, SWIR, TIR, Fourier Transform Spectrometer, carbon dioxide, methane, polarization, aerosol