Geolocation results for the SMAP passive instrument

We present an assessment of the accuracy of the geolocation of the SMAP (Soil Moisture Active and Passive) passive instrument, based on the first year of on-orbit operation. The accuracy of the geolocation is determined from analysis of the temperature (both antenna and brightness) recorded by the radiometer, and correlation of any temperature change against geophysical features with high radiometric contrast (coastlines). It is shown that the radiometer meets the project's requirement (4 km uncertainty) for geolocation accuracy with excellent margins.