Space instrumentation

Abstract:

A concept has been developed for a remote sensing experiment to investigate the physics of the Martian atmosphere from a spin-stabilized orbiter, like that planned for the InterMarsNet mission. Using coincident infrared and microwave channels and limb-to-limb scanning, it can map the planet much more extensively than previously in temperature, atmospheric dust loading, and humidity. When combined with one or more surface stations measuring the same variables, the sounder experiment can contribute to major progress in understanding the general circulation and dust and water cycles of the atmosphere of Mars, and the characterization of medium-scale meteorological systems. Copyright © 1996 Elsevier Science Ltd.

Abstract:

An analysis of thermal profiles and dynamics over a wide range of latitudes for the venusian atmosphere between 70 and 90 km is presented based on high spatial resolution infrared spectra of the night side obtained by the near infrared mapping spectrometer (NIMS) experiment during the Galileo-Venus encounter in February 1990. Using the 4.3-μm CO2 absorption band, the temperature profile is retrieved in the 75- to 91-km altitude region over a latitudinal range of -59· to + 64·. Compared to earlier observations from the Pioneer Venus mission, the temperature at 91 km is about 10 K higher and between 74 and 83 km about 3.6 K colder. An equator to pole warming at constant pressure levels is found and implications for the zonal wind profiles are drawn under the assumption that the atmosphere is in cyclostrophic balance in the region of 70 to 90 km. The results are in correspondence with direct wind measurements from ground-based observations at 95 km and 105 km altitude. © 1995 Academic Press, Inc.

Abstract:

A short description is given of the Occultation Radiometer which has been flown recently on the EURECA carrier. A brief outline of the scientific rationale, instrument characteristics and status of the data reduction is presented.