Thermal Infrared Spectrometers for the Polar Radiant Energy in the Far‐Infrared Experiment (PREFIRE)
Year: 2025
Type: article
Abstract: The Polar Radiant Energy in the Far‐InfraRed Experiment (PREFIRE) was selected by NASA to fly two miniaturized Thermal InfraRed Spectrometers (TIRS) capable of distinguishing the spectral signatures of surface and atmospheric properties in Earth's polar regions. A trade study examining spectral sampling as well as separation of cloudy and clear scenery at 20 km scales highlighted the possibility to utilize ambient (uncooled) detector technologies in a miniaturized spectrometer that could facilitate low‐cost and rapid access to space. This work describes the design, implementation, testing and performance of two TIRS systems, as well as the challenges and acceptable limitations of the cost‐constrained effort, that feature the novel joining of compact thermopile array technologies with concentric imaging spectrometry methods. The TIRS systems presented here each have 2.7 kg mass, draw 4.3 W power, and provide spectral resolution of 1.71 m below 35 m sampled at 0.86 m increments.
Source: Earth and Space Science
DOI: 10.1029/2024ea003711
Authors: Brian J. Drouin, Tristan L’Ecuyer, Sharmila Padmanabhan, Marc Foote, Rudi Bendig, Simon Calcutt, Gary Hawkins, Harrison Herzog, Eric Hochberg, Matthew Kenyon, Giacomo Mariani, David A. Martinez, James McGuire, Ian Mckinley, Aronne Merrelli, Deacon Nemchick, Nasrat Raouf, Gary Spiers, Daniel Wilson
Language: English
Subfield: Aerospace Engineering
Field: Engineering
Domain: Physical Sciences
Open Access status: gold
Estimated APC paid: $2,650
OpenAlex ID: W4414572805