Instrument Performance of AIRS

AIRS, the Atmospheric Infrared Sounder on the Earth Observing System (EOS) PM spacecraft, is an infrared radiometer which covers the 3.7- 15.4 micron spectral range with spectral resolving power better than 1000. Performance of the AIRS flight unit will be discussed based on measurements in a thermal vacuum test and calibration facility. Simulated data, based on measured instrument performance and GCM model data, indicate that AIRS, together with the AMSU and HSB microwave radiometers on EOS PM, will achieve retrieval accuracy better then 1K rms in the lower troposphere under clear and partly cloudy conditions. Launch of AIRS on the EOS PM is scheduled for December 2000. 1