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Atmospheric Infrared Sounder

Overview:
The Atmospheric Infrared Sounder is an instrument onboard NASA's Aqua satellite under the space agency's Earth Observing System. The sounding system is making highly accurate measurements of air temperature, humidity, clouds and surface temperature. Data will be used to better understand weather and climate. It will also be used by the National Weather Service and the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration to improve the accuracy of their weather and climate models.

The instrument was designed and built by Lockheed Infrared Imaging Systems (recently acquired by British Aerospace) under contract with JPL. The Aqua satellite mission is managed by NASA's Goddard Space Flight Center.

Mission Details:
Instrument to study Earth's atmosphere


Fast Facts:
Launch: May 4, 2002


artist's concept of Atmospheric Infrared Sounder instument
Artist's concept of the Atmospheric Infrared Sounder
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artist's concept of Atmospheric Infrared Sounder instrument
Artist's concept of Atmospheric Infrared Sounder
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Hurricane Katrina as observed by the Atmospheric Infrared Sounder
Hurricane Katrina as observed by the Atmospheric Infrared Sounder
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