Visible and infrared radiometer on Seasat-1

The visible and infrared radiometer (VIRR) is a scanner for the collection of digital data in the visible and thermal-infrared portions of the spectrum over broad swaths of the earth´s surface [1]. Some of the essential electronic and mechanical details of the system are described; and the results of an engineering assessment of its operation in orbit are given. The set of algorithms used to transform the raw VIRR data to calibrated geophysical measurements is discussed. Some of the results of a preliminary geophysical evaluation are presented.