Verification forms an essential part of the MOPITT project. Through verification the instrument will be shown to meet not only the requirements but also the scientific intent of the mission.
The instrument verification process will occur in four distinct stages:
a) Preparation and approval of system and subassembly test and evaluation procedures which are fully responsive to the requirements.
b) Construction and commissioning of the Instrument Calibration Facility (ICF) at the Principal Investigator's facility and preparation of other test facilities for MOPITT test and evaluation.
c) Test and reporting on each subassembly and the MOPITT instrument.
d) Analysis of instrument performance to obtain reference parameters for later comparison with witness units retained at the ICF.
The MOPITT Principal Investigator and the Science Team have prepared an Instrument Concept which is subject to fine adjustment as further work on the science objectives for MOPITT and Eos is completed. Through the "C" Phase leading to PDR and CDR the science objectives for MOPITT will be maintained and a Science Verification Procedure written. This procedure will set out the methods by which MOPITT instruments will be evaluated to show that they meet the intent of the science objectives.