Session
Session IV: Science/Mission Payloads
Location
Utah State University, Logan, UT
Abstract
A novel small satellite payload for atmospheric research has been developed to study the temperature distribution in the mesosphere and lower thermosphere region. The payload consists of a small interferometer for the observation of airglow at 762 nm. The line intensities of the O2 A-band emissions are used to derive temperatures in the upper atmosphere. The temperature data will be used to analyze dynamical wave structures in the atmosphere which are important for modeling of the climate system.
Integrated in a small satellite or a 6U CubeSat, the instrument needs a highly accurate attitude determination and control systems in the sub-arcmin range for limb sounding of the atmosphere. The payload electronics concept is based on a System-on-Module architecture which combines reconfigurable hardware with a processing unit as a highly integrated component. The agility of a CubeSat or the maneuverability of a small satellite can be used to focus the measurements on specific regions in the atmosphere from different viewing directions. Three-dimensional images of an atmospheric volume can be derived using tomographic reconstruction techniques.
A prototype of this payload, launched on a Chinese technology demonstration satellite in December 2018, proved the practical usability of this instrument design.
A Small Satellite Payload for Airglow Measurements in the Upper Atmosphere by Spatial Heterodyne Interferometry
Utah State University, Logan, UT
A novel small satellite payload for atmospheric research has been developed to study the temperature distribution in the mesosphere and lower thermosphere region. The payload consists of a small interferometer for the observation of airglow at 762 nm. The line intensities of the O2 A-band emissions are used to derive temperatures in the upper atmosphere. The temperature data will be used to analyze dynamical wave structures in the atmosphere which are important for modeling of the climate system.
Integrated in a small satellite or a 6U CubeSat, the instrument needs a highly accurate attitude determination and control systems in the sub-arcmin range for limb sounding of the atmosphere. The payload electronics concept is based on a System-on-Module architecture which combines reconfigurable hardware with a processing unit as a highly integrated component. The agility of a CubeSat or the maneuverability of a small satellite can be used to focus the measurements on specific regions in the atmosphere from different viewing directions. Three-dimensional images of an atmospheric volume can be derived using tomographic reconstruction techniques.
A prototype of this payload, launched on a Chinese technology demonstration satellite in December 2018, proved the practical usability of this instrument design.
