OMPS Nadir early on-orbit performance and calibration

OMPS is the latest advanced hyperspectral sensor suite flying onboard the Suomi National Polar-Orbiting Partnership (Suomi NPP) spacecraft. It measures ozone depletion in total column and vertical profile ozone abundances. OMPS on-orbit calibration is conducted through dark, lamp and solar measurements. Launched on October 28, 2011, OMPS Nadir has successfully undergone a thorough early orbit check (EOC) and is currently in the intensive calibration and validation (ICV) phase. The calibration data gathered during the on-orbit calibration and validation activities allows us to evaluate the sensor's early orbit performance and establish on-orbit calibration baseline. In this paper, we provide details of the sensor major on-orbit calibrations activities and present sensor level performance and calibration results from OMPS early orbit image data. These results have demonstrated that the OMPS has made a smooth transition from ground to orbit, and its early on-orbit performance meets or exceeds sensor level requirements and agrees with the predicted values determined during the prelaunch calibration and characterization. Examples of Nadir CCD orbital performance monitoring are provided.