NASA's Atmospheric Infrared Sounder (AIRS) from Research to Operations

NASA's Atmospheric Infrared Sounder (AIRS) is a hyperspectral infrared instrument that covers the infrared spectrum from 3.7-15.4 um with 2378 channels and flies on the EOS Aqua spacecraft. AIRS radiance data have demonstrated considerable value to NWP centers worldwide having among the highest impact to operational forecasts of any single instrument. AIRS geophysical products have shown their ability to improve forecast of tropical cyclones, and AIRS temperature and water vapor profiles, CO, and O3 are used operationally at NASA's SPoRT for understanding air pollution and biomass burning transport, stratospheric air intrusions and the strength of tropical cyclones. Additionally, AIRS SO2 is used operationally for volcanic alerts. Research is underway to identify additional operational and applications use for AIRS including heat wave index, temperature inversions and air pollution index, fire weather conditions, drought index, and mosquito habitat conditions. All AIRS products are available in near-real time and through a variety of web display tools and services.