Study of the Utility of Solar Occultation Measurements for Determination of Atmospheric Composition

摘要

The utility of the solar occultation method for measuring atmospheric gas concentrations from space is assessed. Knowledge of middle atmosphere composition and relevant spectroscopy is reviewed. Applications are considered in terms of measurement accuracy requirements, as is the problem of retrieving species concentrations which show a diurnal variability. The capabilities of the method are evaluated in terms of spectral resolution, signal to noise ratios, systematic errors, and spectral interference. Mission requirements, in particular pointing accuracy and stability, are compared with capabilities. Orbit configurations are studied to determine the frequency, duration, and latitude coverage of occultations. From these data the suitability of each orbit for solar occultation missions is judged and ideal orbits are discussed.