Remote Measurement of Upper Atmospheric Density: Instrument Definition

Abstract : A study conducted previously at the Space Physics Research Laboratory, University of Michigan (Hays et al., 1988) has concluded that measurement of the spectral intensity of the O sub 2 atmospheric band is the most feasible technique. The basic determination of the temperature can be accomplished using the optically thin transition from O sub 2(Sigma1) to O sub 2(Sigma3) in the (0-1) band; here local atmospheric temperature is determined uniquely by the rotational development of the emission band since the band is in the thermal dynamic equilibrium. The density of molecular oxygen is determined from the (0-0) band of the same system; here self absorption by molecular oxygen is responsible for a reduction in intensity of the stronger lines in the system. This remote sensing technique has been proven to be feasible by rocket spectroscopic measurements during this funding period. This report describes the remote sensing techniques and the optical instrument used. The results obtained from the rocket experiment are presented with evaluation of the magnitude of all the possible sources of error. A conceptual design of the instrument to implement this remote sensing technique from a satellite platform is also prepared which identifies the major hardware elements required.