Lower atmosphere composition and temperature experiment

Journal Article · Tue Jan 01 04:00:00 EST 1974 · Opt. Eng.; (United States)

OSTI ID:7354879

Williamson, W R; Shafer, D R; Dilworth, D C

The Lower Atmospheric Composition and Temperature Experiment (LACATE) is described in regards to an optical system to be tested on a balloon flight. The ultimate objective of the project is to determine the vertical distribution of certain atmospheric constituents and temperature on a global scale from the upper troposphere through the stratosphere and into the lower mesosphere. The experiment calls for measurements to be made in each of nine spectral regions: two near the 15 micron carbon dioxide band, and one each at the 6.2 micron nitrogen dioxide band, 6.3 micron water band, 7.5 micron methane band, 9.4 micron ozone band, 10.5 micron aerosol band, 11.3 micron nitric acid band, and the 17.5 micron nitrous oxide band. A programmed scanning mirror attached to a radiometer causes the fields of view of the detectors to make a vertical scan across the earth's horizon, with azimuth make a vertical scan across the earth's horizon, with azimuth coverage being obtained by commanding the scanning mirror to desired azimuthal pointing directions.

• OSTI ID: 7354879
• Journal Information: Opt. Eng.; (United States), Journal Name: Opt. Eng.; (United States) Vol. 13:4; ISSN OPEGA
• Country of Publication: United States
• Language: English

Related Subjects

500200* -- Environment
Atmospheric-- Chemicals Monitoring & Transport-- (-1989)
54 ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCES
AIR
BALLOONS
CARBON COMPOUNDS
CARBON DIOXIDE
CARBON OXIDES
CHALCOGENIDES
CHEMICAL COMPOSITION
EARTH ATMOSPHERE
FEASIBILITY STUDIES
FLUIDS
GASES
MESOSPHERE
MONITORING
NITROGEN COMPOUNDS
NITROGEN OXIDES
OPTICAL SYSTEMS
OXIDES
OXYGEN COMPOUNDS
STRATOSPHERE
TEMPERATURE MEASUREMENT
TROPOSPHERE