The Advanced Remote-sensing Imaging Earth-science Spectrometer (ARIES): A Combined Hyperspectral MODIS and High Spatial Resolution AIRS Instrument Concept

The Atmospheric Infrared Sounder (AIRS) and the Moderate Resolution Imaging Spectroradiometer (MODIS) on the Earth Observing System (EOS) Aqua spacecraft have now demonstrated the usefulness of space based instrumentation for the study of Earth System Processes, Weather Prediction and anthropogenic influences on climate and the environment. Both instruments were developed using the latest technology of their age, and were designed to provide complementary science. AIRS with its high spectral resolution, 2378 spectral channels from 3.7 15.4 mm, but low spatial resolution, 13.5 km, provides atmospheric observations where spatial variability is less critical. MODIS with its moderate spatial resolution, 1km, but low spectral resolution, 36 bands from 0.4 to 14.4 mm, performs well for imaging land surface parameters. The technology at the time did not allow both the high spectral resolution and moderate spatial resolution observations simultaneously. As the science advances after more than 4 years of observations with these instruments, we are now encountering situations where the science needs exceed the capabilities of these instruments. We expect to experience more of these situations as time goes on. Fortunately, the technology has advanced since these instruments were developed and studies at JPL have shown that high spectral resolution and moderate spatial resolution can indeed be achieved in a single instrument with low technical risk. We call the instrument the Advanced Remote-sensing Imaging Emission Spectrometer (ARIES). ARIES is a hyperspectral imaging spectrometer concept that covers from 0.4 to 15.4 mm with over 3000 spectral channels. The ARIES Measurement Concept will enable a new level of earth observation from space in the visible through long-wave infrared. The higher 3-D spatial resolution water vapor information will improve weather forecasts and improve parameterization of this primary greenhouse gas in climate models. ARIES hyperspectral resolution will improve classification of observed species on land, in the oceans and in the Earth's atmosphere. ARIES is a comprehensive Earth remote sensing instrument concept that will build on the experience of MODIS and AIRS and greatly expand our knowledge of the interaction between Earth system environments.