Solidstate array spectroradiometer for ocean remote sensing

An imaging radiometer based on charge injection device technology and providing simultaneous images in 21 spectral bands has been built by the NASA Johnson Space Center and used in a cooperative effort with the Naval Ocean Systems Center to obtain ocean imagery. Results of this effort indicate the concept of this Solidstate Array Spectroradiometer (SAS) scanner to be very promising for sea surface characterization and determination of chlorophyll distribution. However, the usefulness of the current sensor for ocean imagery is limited because of its low sensitivity and relatively high noise. In an effort to overcome these problems an advanced version of the SAS, the ASAS, is being built. The ASAS will provide high resolution sea surface imagery in 32 simultaneous spectral bands in the optical and near infrared regions from aircraft or satellite platforms. At a frame rate of 64 frames per second its detector signal/noise level is about 8800:1. The calibration of the ASAS is designed to permit absolute radiometric measurements to be made in its 32 bands.