Spectrographs in space

Keith Peacock

doi:10.1117/12.293349

1 October 1997 Spectrographs in space

Keith Peacock

Proceedings Volume 3116, Small Spacecraft, Space Environments, and Instrumentation Technologies; (1997) https://doi.org/10.1117/12.293349
Event: Optical Science, Engineering and Instrumentation '97, 1997, San Diego, CA, United States

Abstract

Two spacecraft built by the Johns Hopkins University Applied Physics Laboratory carried a total of six spectrographs into space early in 1996; five were on the Midcourse Space Experiment and one was on the Near Earth Asteroid Rendezvous Spacecraft (NEAR). Flight spectrographs have also been delivered for the Defense Meteorological Satellite Program and the Global Ultraviolet Imaging spectrograph (GUVI) is currently being built for the TIMED satellite. These eight instruments, while on four different spacecraft and working in different spectral ranges extending from 115 nm out to 2700 nm, were based on only two optical designs. The five spectrographs on the MSX used the same design and the DMSP, NEAR, and GUVI used an identical optical layout even though the wavelength range changed from the vacuum ultraviolet to the infrared. This paper reviews the performance parameters and optical designs of these instruments and shows how minor optical changes made it possible to use the identical mechanical design for a range of applications. Rather than create a unique design for each application, modification of an existing design resulted in a saving of cost, time, and testing. In spite of the plagiarized designs each instrument is fully capable of meeting all of its scientific objectives. Designs for future missions follow the same concept; a basic optical layout is prepared and is then modified to meet the field-of-view, spectral range, and capability requirements of a mission. Some proposed concepts for future spacecraft are also described.

Citation Download Citation

Keith Peacock "Spectrographs in space", Proc. SPIE 3116, Small Spacecraft, Space Environments, and Instrumentation Technologies, (1 October 1997); https://doi.org/10.1117/12.293349

ACCESS THE FULL ARTICLE

INSTITUTIONAL
Select your institution to access the SPIE Digital Library.

SELECT YOUR INSTITUTION

PERSONAL
Sign in with your SPIE account to access your personal subscriptions or to use specific features such as save to my library, sign up for alerts, save searches, etc.

PERSONAL SIGN IN

No SPIE Account? Create one

PURCHASE THIS CONTENT

SUBSCRIBE TO DIGITAL LIBRARY

50 downloads per 1-year subscription

Members: $195

Non-members: $335 ADD TO CART

25 downloads per 1 - year subscription

Members: $145

Non-members: $250 ADD TO CART

PURCHASE SINGLE ARTICLE

Includes PDF, HTML & Video, when available