VIIRS initial performance verification. Subassembly, early integration and ambient phase I testing of EDU

This paper will examine the initial results of performance verification testing of the first VIIRS sensor, the Engineering Development Unit (EDU). The EDU was completed and began the initial stages of integration testing in late 2004. As the EDU progresses through ambient and thermal vacuum testing, test data are collected, analyzed, and evaluated. Raytheon SBRS evaluates the data for compliance with sensor specifications. Northrop Grumman evaluates the data to ensure the 21 NPOESS System EDRs to which the VIIRS sensor contributes are satisfied. Initial performance estimates that have been derived from sensor models and updated based on subassembly testing are then measured against test data, at each stage of the test plan.