Midcourse Space Experiment (MSX): plans and capability for the measurement of infrared earthlimb and terrestrial backgrounds

Robert R. O'Neil; Harold A. B. Gardiner; James J. Gibson; Charles H. Humphrey; Richard Hegblom; Mark E. Fraser; Michael Kendra; Peter P. Wintersteiner; Carl Rice

doi:10.1117/12.177921

15 June 1994 Midcourse Space Experiment (MSX): plans and capability for the measurement of infrared earthlimb and terrestrial backgrounds

Robert R. O'Neil, Harold A. B. Gardiner, James J. Gibson, Charles H. Humphrey, Richard Hegblom, Mark E. Fraser, Michael Kendra, Peter P. Wintersteiner, Carl Rice

Author Affiliations +

Proceedings Volume 2223, Characterization and Propagation of Sources and Backgrounds; (1994) https://doi.org/10.1117/12.177921
Event: SPIE's International Symposium on Optical Engineering and Photonics in Aerospace Sensing, 1994, Orlando, FL, United States

Abstract

A major objective of the MSX program is to obtain global data of atmospheric and terrestrial backgrounds simultaneously in the infrared (2.6 to 28 micrometers ) and short wave (0.11 to 0.9 micrometers ) spectral regions. This paper presents an overview of the plans and capabilities to measure infrared earthlimb and terrestrial backgrounds with the cryogenic infrared MSX sensor, the spatial Infrared Imaging Telescope (SPIRIT) III sensor. Of particular importance is the characterization of the spatial-temporal structure and the global distribution of mean radiometric levels and spectral content of both quiescent atmospheric and terrestrial backgrounds as well as the backgrounds associated with aurora, mesospheric and noctilucent clouds, stratospheric warmings, wave phenomena, scatter and thermal emissions from clouds, terrain, and other sources. Experiments are planned to collect data as a function of latitude, season, diurnal conditions, magnetic activity and altitude, up to tangent heights of 300 km over a period of 18 months for the infrared (cryogen lifetime) and 5 years for the visible and ultraviolet sensors. Coordinated experiments are planned with ground sites and in conjunction with other satellites. Automated processing will provide rapid data reduction and the generation of data products.

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Robert R. O'Neil, Harold A. B. Gardiner, James J. Gibson, Charles H. Humphrey, Richard Hegblom, Mark E. Fraser, Michael Kendra, Peter P. Wintersteiner, and Carl Rice "Midcourse Space Experiment (MSX): plans and capability for the measurement of infrared earthlimb and terrestrial backgrounds", Proc. SPIE 2223, Characterization and Propagation of Sources and Backgrounds, (15 June 1994); https://doi.org/10.1117/12.177921

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