Session
Session V: Science Mission Payloads 2 - Research & Academia
Location
Salt Palace Convention Center, Salt Lake City, UT
Abstract
The Doppler Wind and Temperature Sounder instrument (DWTS) is a unique atmospheric instrument being developed by Global Atmospheric Technologies (GATS), NASA and NOAA. Invented by Larry Gordley/GATS, it is a mid-wave infrared camera paired with a nitrous oxide (NO) cell, which acts as a spectral filter. Wind velocities and kinetic temperatures in the stratosphere and lower thermosphere are extracted by measuring the induced Doppler shift and Doppler broadening of emissions as they pass through the DWTS field of view. Eventually, the use of 3 gas cells(N2O, CO2) would complete the complement such that 20-200km during the day or night could be obtained. The first technology demonstration will involve a single aperture DWTS instrument (NO only) in an approximately 2U payload volume. With an estimated power consumption of 50 watts during operation, the instrument will maintain the imaging focal plane array at 80 K with an integrated Stirling cryocooler. To enhance the DWTS sensitivity, it was found that the forward lens assembly should be cooled to 150 K. Once demonstrated, it is anticipated that a small constellation consisting of small-sat sized and greatly improved data capability, including on-board data reduction, would be flown. The paper will also discuss the extension of the instrument to use in the Mars atmosphere, which may be able to provide unparalleled data to the current Mars Global Circulation Models. This will assist in essential atmospheric prediction to improve future human and robotic landing accuracy. The demonstration nano-sat for the Earth case, either as a free-flyer or in a hosted payload configuration, will be shown as a necessary precursor to these potentially important Earth and Mars constellation missions that would follow.
Document Type
Event
The Development of DWTS (Doppler Wind Temperature Sounder) Climatology Missions for Earth and Mars
Salt Palace Convention Center, Salt Lake City, UT
The Doppler Wind and Temperature Sounder instrument (DWTS) is a unique atmospheric instrument being developed by Global Atmospheric Technologies (GATS), NASA and NOAA. Invented by Larry Gordley/GATS, it is a mid-wave infrared camera paired with a nitrous oxide (NO) cell, which acts as a spectral filter. Wind velocities and kinetic temperatures in the stratosphere and lower thermosphere are extracted by measuring the induced Doppler shift and Doppler broadening of emissions as they pass through the DWTS field of view. Eventually, the use of 3 gas cells(N2O, CO2) would complete the complement such that 20-200km during the day or night could be obtained. The first technology demonstration will involve a single aperture DWTS instrument (NO only) in an approximately 2U payload volume. With an estimated power consumption of 50 watts during operation, the instrument will maintain the imaging focal plane array at 80 K with an integrated Stirling cryocooler. To enhance the DWTS sensitivity, it was found that the forward lens assembly should be cooled to 150 K. Once demonstrated, it is anticipated that a small constellation consisting of small-sat sized and greatly improved data capability, including on-board data reduction, would be flown. The paper will also discuss the extension of the instrument to use in the Mars atmosphere, which may be able to provide unparalleled data to the current Mars Global Circulation Models. This will assist in essential atmospheric prediction to improve future human and robotic landing accuracy. The demonstration nano-sat for the Earth case, either as a free-flyer or in a hosted payload configuration, will be shown as a necessary precursor to these potentially important Earth and Mars constellation missions that would follow.
