Email from Paul Snoeij (ESTEC) to ACVT, Mon, 17 Jan
Dear colleagues,
The first test operations with MIPAS using the reduced resolution double
slide mode were successful.
During the remainder of the month January several operational procedures and
measurement scenarios will be tested based on the campaign schedule
distributed to the ACVT members on 12-01-2005. Re-characterisation of the
instrument is expected to take place during the first half of February.
Mid February 2005 the experimental MIPAS mission will start (depending on the
successful outcome of the test campaign and authorisation by the mission
manager). At this moment it is not clear what the measurement scenario (e.g.
measurement time, and schedule) will be. One thing is clear: MIPAS will be
used on a campaign basis and continuous operation is currently not foreseen.
The mission objectives and measurement strategy will be discussed and refined
during the MIPAS Science Team Meeting on 18 February 2005.
The consequences of MIPAS operating on a campaign basis are:
- NRT data will no longer be generated, only offline products will be
available in the future.
- It will no longer be possible to generate systematically overpass tables,
users are suggested to use the ESOV tool with the MIPAS backwards swath to
determine potential overpasses.
- Any request for special measurements (e.g. in conjunction with an airborne
or groundbased campaign) should be sent at least four (4) weeks before the
campaign to your ACVT subgroupleader with Marta De Laurentis
in copy.
The MIPAS data processor will be adapted to the new operational mode in the
coming weeks. As soon as the MIPAS data will be (again) available for
validation the ACVT community will be informed.
