Simulated Radiances of the OSMI over the Oceans

Prior to launch, simulated radiances of the Ocean Scanning Multispectral Imager (OSMI) will be very useful to guess the real imagery of OSMI and to check the data processing system for OSMI. The data processing system for OSMI which is one sensor of Korea Mult i - Purpose Satellite (KOMPSAT) scheduled for launch in 1999 is being developed based on the SeaWiFS Data Analysis System (SeaDAS). Such a simulation should include the spectral bands, orbital and scanning characteristics of the OSMI and KOMPSAT spacecraft. The simulation is also very helpful for finding and preparing for problem areas before launch. This paper describes a method to create simulated radiances of the OSMI over the oceans. Our method for constructing a simulated OSMI imagery is to propagate a KOMPSAT orbit over a field of Coastal Zone Color Scanner (CZCS) pigment values and to use the values and atmospheric components to calculate total radiances. A modified Brouwer - Lyddane model with drag was used for the realistic orbit prediction, the CZCS pigment data were used to compute water - leaving radiances, and a variety of radiative transfer models were used to calculate atmospheric contributions to total radiances detected by OSMI. Imagery of the simulated OSMI total radiances for 6 nominal bands was obtained. As expected, water - leaving radiances were only a small fraction of total radiances and sun glint contaminations were observed near the solar declination. Therefore, atmospheric correction is very important in the calculation of pigment concentration from total radiances. Because the imagery near the sun's glitter pattern is virtually useless and must be discarded, more advanced mission planning will be required.