The radiometric performance of the reflective solar bands (RSBs) of NOAA-20 VIIRS, recently launched on 18 November 2017, is evaluated through an intercomparison with Aqua MODIS in a continuation of previous year’s effort. The analysis adapts a “nadir-only” refinement of the simultaneous nadir overpass (SNO) to generate comparison time series for assessment of the on-orbit calibration of NOAA-20 VIIRS RSBs using the official sensor data records (SDRs). Result shows improved radiometric stability in the past year but upward radiometric drift in Bands M1 and M2 is possibly emerging, indicative of the active solar diffuser effect that is known for SNPP VIIRS. NOAA-20 VIIRS RSBs continues to maintain a 2 to 8% radiometric deficit relative to SNPP VIIRS RSBs.

Date Published: 9 September 2019
PDF: 6 pages
Proc. SPIE 11127, Earth Observing Systems XXIV, 111272A (9 September 2019); doi: 10.1117/12.2529480

Published in SPIE Proceedings Vol. 11127:
Earth Observing Systems XXIV
James J. Butler; Xiaoxiong (Jack) Xiong; Xingfa Gu, Editor(s)