Medium-resolution imaging spectrometer (MERIS)

The medium imaging spectrometer (MERIS), developed by the European Space Agency (ESA) for the ENVISAT-1 polar orbit Earth mission, belongs to a new generation of ocean color sensors which will yield a major improvement in the knowledge of such a crucial processes as the ocean contribution to the carbon cycle. MERIS measures the radiance reflected from the Earth's surface in the visible and near infrared part of the spectrum. Data are transmitted in fifteen spectral bands of programmable width and location. The instrument features tow spatial resolution and several observation and calibration modes selectable by ground command. The instrument development is currently carried out by an international team led by AEROSPATIALE under ENVISAT prime contractor ship of DORNIER. The development of the instrument has now reached a status where the instrument has been proven to be compliant with the scientific requirements. This paper gives an overview of the instrument, its design with emphasis given to the acquisition and on-board processing chains. A summary of the major performance sand interface budgets is also provided.