The Space Metrology Program

The full potential of current remote sensor technology is limited by the inability to correct biases once an exo-atmospheric remote sensor becomes operational. Even when the calibration is traced to the International System of Units, SI, and the instrument is performing within the operational envelope wherein it is calibrated, the problem exists and a Space Metrology Program is a potential solution to the problem. This paper discusses such a program, suggests a feasibility study to address the issues and recommends a plan of action.Any operational instrument has a bias and reducing the magnitude of the bias can only be accomplished when an adequately accurate standard is accessible by the instrument while the instrument is in its operational environment. Currently the radiometric flux from the sun, the moon and the stars is inadequately accurate SI to provide a standard that is consistent with the remote sensor state-of-the-art technology. The result is data that is less accurate than it could be often leading to confusing and conflicting conclusions drawn from that data. Planned remote sensors such as those required to meet future program needs (e.g. the United States National Polar-Orbiting Operational Environmental Satellite System (NPOESS) and the proposed international Global Earth Observation Program) are going to need the higher accuracy radiometric standards to maintain their accuracy once they become operational. To resolve the problem, a set of standard radiometers on the International Space Station is suggested against which other exo-atmospheric radiometric instruments can be calibrated. A feasibility study for this program is planned.