SIRAS-G, the spaceborne infrared atmospheric sounder: a versatile instrument concept for infrared imaging spectrometry from geosynchronous orbit

摘要

The Spaceborne Atmospheric Infrared Sounder for Geosynchronous Earth Orbit (SIRAS-G) represents a new approach to infrared imaging spectrometry suitable for Earth observation from geosynchronous orbit. SIRAS-G, selected for development under NASA's 2002 Instrument Incubator Program, requires less mass and power than heritage instruments while offering enhanced capabilities for measuring atmospheric temperature, water vapor profiles, and trace gas column abundances in a compact package. The flight instrument concept measures infrared radiation in 2048 spectral channels with a nominal spectral resolution (Δλ/λ) of 1100. Combined with large 2-D focal planes, this system provides simultaneous spectral and high-resolution spatial imaging. In 1999, the SIRAS team built and tested the LWIR (12.0 - 15.4 μm) spectrometer under NASA's Instrument Incubator Program (IIP-1999). SIRAS-G builds on this experience with a goal of producing and demonstrating the performance of a laboratory demonstration instrument. In this paper, we describe planned development activities and potential future scientific instrument applications.