What's Happening?
The CLARREO Pathfinder (CPF) mission, initiated by NASA in 2016, aims to measure Earth-reflected sunlight with unprecedented accuracy and serve as an on-orbit calibration reference for other sensors. The mission will
utilize the HySICS spectrometer, developed by the Laboratory for Atmospheric and Space Physics, to achieve high spatial and spectral resolution measurements. CPF will be hosted on the International Space Station and is expected to take measurements for one year, followed by data analysis.
Why It's Important?
The CPF mission is crucial for improving the accuracy of Earth observation data, which is essential for understanding climate change and Earth's variability. By providing a calibration reference for other instruments, CPF can enhance the reliability of data used in climate models and environmental monitoring. The mission's high accuracy measurements will contribute to more informed strategic planning and risk assessments related to climate change, benefiting governments and industries worldwide.
What's Next?
CPF will conduct regular calibration measurements using the Sun and Moon as reference targets, ensuring the instrument's accuracy throughout its operational life. The mission's success could lead to improved calibration techniques for other Earth-observing instruments, enhancing global efforts to monitor and address climate change. As CPF demonstrates its capabilities, it may pave the way for future missions focused on high-accuracy Earth observation.
