Measurement of the Atmospheric Background in the Mesosphere

Next generation sub-orbital vehicles will provide an innovative platform for the characterization to 300,000 feet. With considerable existing data on the infrared background at stratospheric altitudes, the need to characterize absorption and emission features in the mesosphere becomes apparent. This project comprises a compact infrared spectrometer for measuring atmospheric absorption and emission profiles on a routine basis at moderate spectral resolutions (R < 10,000) at near and mid-infrared wavelengths. The instrument consists of COTS optical components with a stand-alone power system and flight computer separate from the sub-orbital vehicle.

The characterization of atmospheric absorption and emission profiles within the Earth's mesosphere using an infrared spectometer will benefit astonomers in the selection of required altitudes for future infrared observations at altitudes above those of airborne or balloon-based experiments.

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