IASI-C

IASI-C is the third model of the IASI instrument series developed by CNES in cooperation with the European Organisation for the Exploitation of Meteorological Satellites (Eumetsat). Its two main missions are operational meteorology and atmospheric chemistry. It is a Fourier transform infrared spectrometer that provides luminance spectra of the atmosphere and derived atmospheric variables.

IASI-C is on board the Eumetsat Metop-C satellite.

Satellite

Metop-C was launched on 7 November 2018 from the Kourou space center in French Guiana. It was declared operational on 1^st of July 2019. It is the third and last model of the MetOp series.

METOP-C orbit parameters:

• Near-circular sun-synchronous polar orbit
• Mean altitude: 817 km
• Inclination: 98.7°
• Local solar time at equator (descending node): 9h30
• Cycle: 29 days (412 orbits)

MetOp-C orbit parameters are identical to those of MetOp-A and B. From July 2019, it has been flying in tandem with MetOp-B by being shifted from a half-orbit.

In addition to IASI, the meteorological core payload comprises several other instruments dedicated to the operational meteorology and climate monitoring: AMSU-A, ASCAT. AVHRR, GOME-2, GRAS, HIRS/4, MHS.

Instrument

The 3 IASI–A, IASI-B and IASI-C instruments are identical.

Products

From the beginning of IASI-C operational life data have been processed in the AERIS/ESPRI data center.
Data produced outside and distributed by AERIS are not yet available (CH₄, CO₂, clouds). Similarly, IASI/GOME2 processing has not yet been activated for IASI-C.

IASI-C products available at AERIS

• Vertical profile (level 2) and total column-integrated content of CO (level 2 and level 3)
• Total column-integrated content of HCOOH (level 2 and level 3)
• Total column-integrated content of NH₃ (level 2 and level 3) – near real time and reanalysis
• Vertical profile (level 2) and total column-integrated content of O₃ (level 2 and level 3)
• Total column-integrated content of SO₂ and plume altitude (level 2)
• Dust Aerosol Optical Depth and mean layer altitude (level 2)