Abstract
This work presents calibration results for the altimeter of Sentinel-3A Surface Topography Mission as determined at the Permanent Facility for Altimetry Calibration in west Crete, Greece. The facility has been providing calibration services for more than 15 years for all past (i.e., Envisat, Jason-1, Jason-2, SARAL/AltiKa, HY-2A) and current (i.e., Sentinel-3A, Sentinel-3B, Jason-3) satellite altimeters. The groundtrack of the Pass No.14 of Sentinel-3A ascends west of the Gavdos island and continues north to the transponder site on the mountains of west Crete. This pass has been calibrated using three independent techniques activated at various sites in the region: (1) the transponder approach for its range bias, (2) the sea-surface method for the estimation of altimeter bias for its sea-surface heights, and (c) the cross-over analysis for inspecting height observations with respect to Jason-3. The other Pass No.335 of Sentinel-3A descends from southwest of Crete to south and intersects the Gavdos calibration site. Additionally, calibration values for this descending pass are presented, applying sea-surface calibration and crossover analysis. An uncertainty analysis for the altimeter biases derived by the transponder and by sea-surface calibrations is also introduced following the new standard of Fiducial Reference Measurements.
Highlights
For several decades, international satellite Earth Observation (EO) programs have demonstrated their capacity to serve both scientific and societal needs
This work presents the latest results of the external altimeter calibration of the Sentinel-3A Surface Topography Mission (STM) with in-situ data at the dedicated Permanent Facility for Altimetry Calibration (PFAC) in west Crete, Greece
The Permanent Facility for Satellite Altimeter operating in west Crete, Greece has been employed to serve as the fiducial facility for monitoring Sentinel-3A altimeter performance
Summary
International satellite Earth Observation (EO) programs have demonstrated their capacity to serve both scientific and societal needs. This shall be considered as a combination of contributions arising from the SRAL, MWR and POD instruments To reach this goal and ensure long-term confidence, accuracy and quality in Sentinel-3 data products, calibration and validation (Cal/Val) activities have to be carried out during all mission phases, i.e., pre-launch, commissioning, and operations. This work presents the latest results of the external altimeter calibration of the Sentinel-3A STM with in-situ data at the dedicated Permanent Facility for Altimetry Calibration (PFAC) in west Crete, Greece This is a Cal/Val facility that provides external range transponder calibration, cross-calibration with other altimetry missions, and sea-surface height calibration with in-situ data, primarily in the Gavdos island, south of Crete [5]. 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