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The Orbiting Carbon Observatory-3 (OCO-3) was launched on 04 May 2019 and provides a new perspective to the important task of studying atmospheric carbon dioxide (CO2) as well as solar-induced chlorophyll fluorescence (SIF), a bonus product, from space. The flight spare three-channel grating spectrometer instrument built for OCO-2 has been adapted for use on the International Space Station (ISS) as OCO-3 by modifying the entrance optics, using a new calibrator assembly, incorporating a two-axis pointing mirror assembly (PMA), and adding two context cameras. The ISS’ recessing orbit allows measurements to be collected from dawn to dusk in the equatorial to northern & southern mid-latitude regions and the PMA enables a new snapshot area mapping mode where ~80 km x ~80 km areas can be examined in more detail. The OCO-3 payload underwent an extensive ground test and calibration program in a 3 m diameter thermal vacuum chamber. The chamber has a port/window that allowed optical ground support equipment, including a heliostat, to illuminate the instrument under operating environmental conditions. The payload’s performance in space during the in-orbit checkout (IOC) period compares favorably with ground test results. Initial and not-yet-fully-calibrated retrieved estimates of the column-averaged dry air mole fraction of CO2 (XCO2) are reasonable when compared to ground-based measurements. SIF estimates show clear contrast between areas of high and low vegetation. There is high confidence that the three-year prime mission will deliver the data needed for science/research, data applications, and informed decision-making.
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