Remote Sensing of Atmospheric Structure and Composition by Pressure Modulator Radiometry from Space: The ISAMS Experiment on UARS

The scientific objectives of the improved stratospheric and mesospheric sounder (ISAMS) experiment involve the measurement of global temperature and composition profiles from an instrument on the Upper Atmosphere Research Satellite (UARS). This paper describes the instrument concept, its design, and its performance as calculated and as measured in the laboratory. The data retrieval technique, operating modes, observing strategy, and the error budget are briefly discussed.