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FRM4STS: Fiducial Reference Measurements for validation of Surface Temperatures
Overview
Fiducial Reference Measurements (FRM) are a suite of independent, fully characterized, and traceable ground measurements that follow the guidelines outlined by the GEO/CEOS Quality Assurance framework for Earth Observation (QA4EO). These FRM provide the maximum Return On Investment (ROI) for a satellite mission by delivering, to users, the required confidence in data products, in the form of independent validation results and satellite measurement uncertainty estimation, over the entire end-to-end duration of a satellite mission. Within this context, the SPPA team manages a series of projects targeting the validation of ESA altimetry, atmosphere, land, and ocean products.
FRM4STS is an ESA funded project, to establish and maintain SI traceability of global Fiducial Reference Measurements (FRM) for satellite derived surface temperature product validation. The project will facilitate international harmonisation and interoperability through organisation of a set of inter comparisons under the Committee for Earth Observation Satellites (CEOS) and its Working Group on Calibration and Validation (WGCV).
Related Mission
Sentinel-1 With the objectives of Land and Ocean monitoring, SENTINEL-1 will be composed of two polar-orbiting satellites operating day and night, and will perform Radar imaging, enabling them to acquire imagery regardless of the weather. The first SENTINEL-1 satellite was launched in April 2014.
Sentinel-2 The objective of SENTINEL-2 is land monitoring, and the mission will be composed of two polar-orbiting satellites providing high-resolution optical imagery. Vegetation, soil and coastal areas are among the monitoring objectives. The first SENTINEL-2 satellite was launched in June 2015.
Sentinel-3 The primary objective of SENTINEL-3 is marine observation, and it will study sea-surface topography, sea and land surface temperature, ocean and land colour. Composed of three satellites, the mission's primary instrument is a radar altimeter, but the polar-orbiting satellites will carry multiple instruments, including optical imagers.