SeaSTAR

Overview of the SeaSTAR Instrument

SeaSTAR, short for Sea-going Sky-Scanning Sun-tracking Atmospheric Research Radiometer, is a robotic instrument designed to operate while mounted on ships. The system was created to perform high-resolution atmospheric research at sea and directly support satellite mission validation.

Measurement Capabilities and Technical Details

The instrument is designed to measure aerosol optical depth and aerosol optical properties across multiple wavelengths. By collecting high-resolution atmospheric measurements directly over oceanic environments, SeaSTAR provides essential data on aerosol behavior across different spectral bands.

Scientific Significance for PACE Mission

The primary scientific objective of SeaSTAR is to provide precise sea-level atmospheric measurements to validate observations made by the PACE satellite. These ground-based maritime measurements are critical for confirming the accuracy and performance of satellite-derived atmospheric datasets.