At the beginning of 2007, a new optics laboratory was completed at the IMF, whose task is to calibrate imaging spectrometers with a mass of up to 350 kg. This laboratory, which is unique in Europe, was co-financed by the ESA in order to create a 'home base' for the calibration of APEX, an airborne hyperspectral sensor for the 380-2500 nm wavelength range, which is due to go into operation in 2008.
November was the acid test for the Calibration Homebase (CHB): shortly before the completion of APEX, the interaction of hardware and software was to be tested under laboratory conditions, key system properties of APEX were to be determined and the largely automated calibration processes were to be tested. APEX was at the CHB for two weeks for this purpose. Around 20 employees from DLR-IMF, ESA, industry (RUAG Switzerland, OIP Belgium, Netcetera Switzerland, VITO Belgium) and science (RSL of the University of Zurich) accompanied the campaign. Less improvisation was required than is to be expected for a dress rehearsal of this kind, so it was possible to complete a comprehensive measurement program. The CHB has shown that it is well equipped for its future tasks.
