HY-2A satellite calibration and validation approach and results

The HY-2A launched in August 2011 is the first satellite for ocean dynamic environment measurement. The calibration of HY-2A altimeter is performed using cross-calibration methods with Jason-2 mission. Range absolute calibration activities is ongoing based on transponders. The main parameters in IGDR products are validated by in-suit NDBC buoys and Jason-2 measurements. The calibration of HY-2A scatterometer is implemented using open sea measurements, Amazon rainforest measurements and transponders. Wind vectors products are validated by NDBC buoy observations. The key results are as follows: The accuracy of the sea surface height is about 7.0cm by crossover analysis of HY-2A alone. Dual-crossover analysis with Jason-2 altimeter shows HY-2A altimeter total performances is close to the Jason-2. The calibration coefficients of sigma0 for scatterometer are 1.7dB for VV and HH polarization using ocean calibration technique, the monitoring result of the scatterometer measurement stability by Amazon rainforest shows that the instrument system is stable, the RMS of wind speed and wind direction retrieved by scatterometer are about 1.19m/s and 18.74°.