SBIR-STTR Award

We propose developing a new observational capability for measuring upper atmosphere (20-Km to 200-Km+ altitude) wind and temperature dynamics, based on Doppler imaging of Limb concentrations of NO, N2O, and CO2 called the Doppler Wind Temperature Sounder. The principle of operation is that by measuring the Doppler shift of trace gases created by the differential velocity between the spacecraft and the air mass, one can derive both air mass velocity and temperature, with much higher spatial resolution and accuracy than now performed by other methods. The instrument is a very simple, low-cost design with a large format midwave infrared camera with gas cells containing one each of the three gases, compared to three matched calibration reference cells. The final implementation will be designed for incorporation into a 6U (single channel) or 12U (three channel) CubeSat. The DWTS mission will address atmospheric dynamics having important implications for the neutral atmosphere from the cloud top into the mesosphere, with important boundary data for NWP models. These measurements will be synergistic with atmospheric lidar (single measurement but limited coverage), and AMVs (limited in altitude.) No previous, present, nor planned instrument or mission (e.g., OAWL or GOLD) has such unique and comprehensive measurement capabilities.SUMMARY OF

Anticipated Results:
The results shall be a CDR-level design of a CubeSat Instrument capable of measuring wind and temperatures from altitudes of 20-Km to 200+ Km with a low-cost Gas Filter-based limb imager. Scientific algorithms for processing the data shall be demonstrated based on previous satellite data, with simulations of the expected accuracy and error budget. Results shall include a mission analysis for coverage by a full ~12-satellite constellation.