The DESIS hyperspectral imager produces radiometrically, spectrally, and geometrically corrected Analysis Ready Data (ARD).

DLR performed pre-flight laboratory characterization and calibration (spectral, radiometric, and geometric parameters) of the DESIS instrument, and on-orbit performance continues to be monitored by DLR and Innovative Imaging and Research (I2R). A comprehensive summary of pre-flight characterizations and calibration can be found in: On-ground calibration of DESIS: DLR's Earth Sensing Imaging Spectrometer for the International Space Station (ISS) – SPIE.​

On-orbit calibration is being conducted in two ways.  An on-board LED calibration unit is used by DLR to monitor the spectral calibration of D​ESIS.  Additionally, vicarious calibration using CEOS pseudo-invariant calibration, RadCalNet, and AERONET sites are being used by both DLR and I2R to monitor and improve the radiometric performance of DESIS as needed.

A high-level summary of post-launch sensor performance can be found in:  The DLR Earth Sensing Imaging Spectrometer (DESIS) Instrument On-Orbit Performance and Data Access Through TCloud. This presentation also contains information about additional characterizations, including SNR and spatial performance, that are currently being performed.

 A more detailed review of on-orbit characterization and calibration results is in: Data Products, Quality and Validation of the DLR Earth Sensing Imaging Spectrometer (DESIS).

If you have questions concerning commercial, academic, or NGO site access, please contact our Geospatial Solutions Manager  Heath Lester.

For DESIS technical information and calibration assistance, please contact  Kara Burch.​​