MAS-GRAS sensor combination and optimal estimation retrieval of temperature and H2O profiles

The results of a realistic simulation study in investigating the joint retr ieval using measured temperature and water vapour data from the Space Shutt le based Millimeter wave Atmospheric Sounder (MAS) and from a GRAS (GPS/ GL ONASS receiver) sensor are presented. It seems highly worthwhile - because of the very impressive results - to place a MAS Follow-on sensor together w ith a GRAS sensor on the EXPRESS Pallet of the International Space Station (ISS). It is a role model of synergetic use of sensors in the best sense. A n international feasibility study shows that this is technically feasible. (C) 2000 Elsevier Science Ltd. All rights reserved.