GOES-R ABI spectral sensitivity analysis using hyperspectral observations

The GOES-R/Advanced Baseline Imager (ABI) will have 16 spectral bands from the visible to the long-wave infrared, where the heritage GOES imagers have only 5 spectral bands. Given the increase in spectral coverage and requirements for better accuracy, this study was motivated to characterize the sensitivity of each ABI band to reduce spectral uncertainties. Typical ABI Earth target spectra were obtained through the use of existing space borne hyperspectral instruments such as EO-1/Hyperion and METOP/IASI to evaluate the sensitivity for each of the 16 GOES-R ABI spectral bands. Results indicate that the band spectral sensitivities can be large for spectral regions with distinct spectral features in the atmosphere or surface. The pre-launch characterization of each band's spectral sensitivity may considerably aid in the diagnosis and swift resolve of any inconsistencies found throughout post launch validation efforts. This study is part of a larger effort to strengthen the end-to-end instrument calibration chain for GOES-R/ABI.