ISO 20930-2018 PDF

Full title and description

Space systems — Calibration requirements for satellite-based passive microwave sensors. This International Standard specifies requirements and verification methods covering design, analysis, manufacturing, ground tests and on-orbit self‑sensor calibration and validation for satellite-borne passive microwave sensors; it also addresses conditions for on-orbit inter-comparison and cross-calibration and includes illustrative annexes.

Abstract

This document defines calibration requirements and verification methods from development through on‑orbit operation for space‑based passive microwave sensors. It covers sensor and spacecraft design requirements, ground test and verification procedures, on‑orbit self‑calibration methods, and preparation for inter‑sensor cross‑calibration; annexes provide application examples.

General information

• Status: Published (International Standard); currently recorded as "to be revised" and a committee draft under development.
• Publication date: July 2018 (2018-07).
• Publisher: International Organization for Standardization (ISO).
• ICS / categories: 49.140 (Space systems and operations).
• Edition / version: Edition 1 (ISO 20930:2018).
• Number of pages: 26 pages.

Scope

Specifies calibration requirements for satellite-based passive microwave sensors across the lifecycle: mission and system overview, instrument types, pre‑launch design and manufacturing requirements, ground testing and verification, on‑orbit self‑calibration procedures (including resolution of antenna temperature and bias elimination), and conditions for inter‑sensor comparison and cross‑calibration. The scope includes normative requirements and examples in annexes to support implementation.

Key topics and requirements

• Requirements for instrument design and manufacturing to ensure traceable radiometric performance (antenna pattern, reflectivity, efficiency, temperature monitoring).
• Ground‑test and verification procedures to demonstrate compliance before launch (instrument and spacecraft bus verification, ground processing system checks).
• On‑orbit self‑calibration requirements and methods (including calibration sources, temperature/current monitoring, bias elimination and uncertainty accounting).
• Inter‑comparison and cross‑calibration conditions and preparatory measures for on‑orbit sensor comparison.
• Verification methods, documentation and examples (annexes) illustrating application to passive microwave sensor development.

Typical use and users

Used by satellite instrument developers and manufacturers, spacecraft system engineers, payload test and verification teams, calibration laboratories, remote‑sensing data providers, space agencies, and organizations responsible for inter‑satellite cross‑calibration and long‑term radiometric stability of microwave data records. National committees and organizations participating in ISO/TC 20/SC 14 (space systems and operations) commonly apply or reference this standard.

Related standards

Relevant complementary and related documents include standards and technical reports on remote sensing calibration and validation, for example ISO 19159 series (Calibration and validation of remote‑sensing imagery sensors and data — Part 4: space‑borne passive microwave radiometers) and other calibration guidance from national laboratories and space agencies; these provide broader or adjacent calibration and validation practices for remote sensing instruments.

Keywords

space systems; satellite; passive microwave; radiometer; calibration; on‑orbit calibration; cross‑calibration; radiometric validation; sensor verification; antenna pattern; instrument design.

FAQ

Q: What is this standard?

A: ISO 20930:2018 is an ISO International Standard that defines calibration requirements and verification methods for satellite‑based passive microwave sensors, covering pre‑launch and on‑orbit phases.

Q: What does it cover?

A: It covers instrument and spacecraft design requirements related to radiometric calibration, ground testing and requirements verification, on‑orbit self‑calibration and validation approaches, and conditions for inter‑sensor comparison and cross‑calibration; annexes provide application examples.

Q: Who typically uses it?

A: Satellite instrument designers and manufacturers, spacecraft systems engineers, test‑and‑verification teams, calibration laboratories, remote sensing data producers and users, and space agencies are the primary users. Standards committees and national TAGs involved in space systems also reference it.

Q: Is it current or superseded?

A: ISO 20930:2018 is published and remains the active edition from July 2018; ISO’s lifecycle records indicate it is under systematic review and listed "to be revised" with a committee draft in development (ISO/CD 20930), so users should check for any revision or replacement activity.

Q: Is it part of a series?

A: It is a standalone International Standard within ISO/TC 20/SC 14’s space systems portfolio, but practitioners often use it alongside related ISO standards on calibration and validation of remote‑sensing sensors (for example the ISO 19159 series) and guidance from calibration laboratories and agencies.

Q: What are the key keywords?

A: Key keywords include "passive microwave", "satellite radiometer", "calibration", "on‑orbit calibration", "cross‑calibration", "radiometric validation", "antenna pattern", and "sensor verification".