CALIPSO Level 1 and 2 calibration/validation issues:

• Calibration – Verify lidar calibration, linearity, stability.
  • Approach: Comparison to CPL over extended cirrus layers (day/night).
• Navigation – Are the CALIPSO instruments co-registered ?
  • Approach: Average CPL and MAS to CALIPSO resolution and compare.
• Sensitivity - Verify lidar detection limits over a range of cloud and aerosols types and altitudes.
  • Approach: Comparison to CPL and HSRL (day/night).
• Feature Finder – Are we accurately identifying all clouds and aerosols in the scene?
  • Approach:Comparison to CRS, CPL, MAS & HSRL.

CloudSat 1B CPR and 2B Geoprof Issues:

• Calibration – Establish to within 2 dB.
  • Approach: Comparison with CRS and comparison to in situ data.
• Navigation – Are we exactly where we think we are?
  • Approach: Average CRS to CloudSat resolution and compare.
• Sensitivity - -28dBZ detection threshold needs to be established.
  • Approach: Comparison to CRS, CPL
• Cloud Mask – Are we identifying all clouds in the cloud mask?
  • Approach: Comparison to CRS and CPL.

• Base of operations will be Robins AFB
  • ER-2 and Learjet 35A operations at RAFB Bldg 2328
  • Science operations in Bldg 2328 rooms 106 and 108

• Deployment Dates: 7/24 – 8/15

• ER-2 Transit to GA on 7/24
• Learjet arrives
• First Science Flights on 7/26
• B-200 basing from LARC, with possible refueling and RON at RAFB
• ER-2 Transit Back to DFRC on 8/15
• B-200 Operations from 7/26 – 8/15
• Safety Briefing on 7/25 at 9 AM in Bldg 127 Concept Briefing Room
• First Science Meeting 7/25 at 3 PM in Bldg 2328 room 106
• Entry Authorization List (EAL) submitted for team
• Instrument integration started week of July 10, 2006
  • ER-2 first flight from DFRC on July 13, with FCF and A-Train underflight
  • B-200 operating from LARC since June, with several underflights of ATrain