May 2, 2003

It has been three months since SORCE was launched! SORCE continues to make excellent daily solar and stellar observations, and the solar data are received two times each day. The biggest challenge currently is the task of verifying the four instruments calibrations and data processing software, so the measurements are truly valid and ready for the science community.

The calibration process continues on all of the SORCE instruments, which are currently operating in normal mode. The preliminary data products generated are meticulously reviewed, and compared to earlier instrument expectations. The data are also compared with observations of similar instruments on other spacecrafts currently operating. After investigating the similarities and anomalies, scientists work towards data validation by improving data processing code.
As expected, each instrument is experiencing its own unique set of anomalies that requires further research. One step at a time, the instruments and data products are being fine-tuned to maturity, where the end result will be an accurate set of solar measurements. For more information see the SORCE newsletter for April.