Geosynchronous Imaging Fourier Transform Spectrometer (GIFTS) thermal vacuum testing: aspects of spectral characterization

The Geosynchronous Imaging Fourier Transform Spectrometer (GIFTS) represents a revolutionary step in satellite based remote sensing of atmospheric parameters. Using the combination of a Fourier Transform Spectrometer and Large Area Focal Plane Arrays, GIFTS measures incident infrared radiance with an unprecedented combination of spectral, temporal, and spatial resolution and coverage. In its regional sounding mode, it measures the infrared spectrum every 11 seconds at a spectral resolution of ~0.6 cm-1 in two spectral bands (14.6 to 8.8 μm, 6.0 to 4.4 μm) using two 128 × 128 detector arrays. From a geosynchronous orbit, the instrument will have the capability of taking successive measurements of such data to scan desired regions of the globe, from which thermal and gaseous concentration profiles, cloud properties, wind field profiles, and other derived products can be retrieved. Thermal vacuum testing of the GIFTS Engineering Development Unit (EDU) was performed at the Space Dynamics Laboratory in Logan Utah and completed in September 2006. With a focus on spectral characterization of the sensor, analyses of selected thermal vacuum tests are presented here.