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 us. ​