Use of moon observations for characterization of Sentinel-3B ocean and land color instrument

Abstract

During the commissioning of the Sentinel-3B satellite, a single lunar observation was performed to assess the possible use of the moon for characterization and validation of onboard instruments. The observation was carried out in stable orientation after a roll maneuver, allowing the moon to be imaged by the Earth view of instruments. Data acquired by the Ocean Land Color Instrument (OLCI) allowed inflight verification of stray-light correction (SLC) performed by the Mission Performance Centre (MPC), and assessment of radiometric behavior of instrument in comparison with lunar irradiance models performed in cooperation between European Space Research and Technology Centre (ESTEC) and European Organisation for the Exploitation of Meteorological Satellites (EUMETSAT). This paper describes the results of those activities along with the proposed update of stray-light correction developed with the use of lunar data.