MIPAS Level 1B algorithms overview: operational processing and characterization

This paper gives an overview of the MIPAS Level 1B (L1B) processor whose main objective is to calibrate atmospheric measurements radiometrically, spectrally and geo-located. It presents also the results of instrument characterization done on ground and during the first years in-flight. An accurate calibration is mandatory for high quality atmospheric retrievals. MIPAS has shown very good performance and stability. The noise equivalent spectral radiance ranges from 3 to 50 nW/(cm2 sr cm−1) and is well within the requirements over nearly the whole spetral range. The systematic radiometric error is estimated to be within 1 or 2% in most situations.