What does AATSR stand for?
AATSR stands for Advanced Along-Track Scanning Radiometer. Q What is AATSR and what does it do? AATSR is one of the Announcement of Opportunity (AO) instruments on board the European Space Agency (ESA) satellite ENVISAT. It is the most recent in a series of instruments designed primarily to measure Sea Surface Temperature (SST), following on from ATSR-1 and ATSR-2 on board ERS-1 and ERS-2. AATSR data have a resolution of 1 km at nadir, and are derived from measurements of reflected and emitted radiation taken at the following wavelengths: 0.55 m, 0.66 m, 0.87 m, 1.6 m, 3.7 m, 11 m and 12 m. Special features of the AATSR instrument include its use of a conical scan to give a dual-view of the Earths surface, on-board calibration targets and use of mechanical coolers to maintain the thermal environment necessary for optimal operation of the infrared detectors. The AATSR programme is funded jointly by the UK Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs , the Australian Department of
