Preparing SCIAMACHY for the Mission Extension Phase

Abstract

In 2010 ENVISAT enters its next mission extension phase when a manoeuvre transfers the platform from its nominal into a modified orbit. Therefore all SCIAMACHY measurements requiring an accurate pointing knowledge are affected. Therefore adjustments to SCIAMACHY’s on-board instrument configuration are necessary reflecting this orbit chance. Based on a detailed analysis simulating SCIAMACHY operations in the modified orbit until the end of 2013, the impacts on nadir, limb and solar and lunar measurements when orbiting the Earth at an altitude reduced by about 17 km was elaborated. By permanently modifying certain parameters stored on-board in SCIAMACHY’s memory these impacts can be compensated for. We present how the instrument configuration has to be adapted both in preparation of the actual orbit manoeuvre and for maintaining the performance over the mission extension phase.