Atmospheric physics and Earth observations: atmospheric spectral imaging

An array of imaging spectrometers flown on the Spacelab 1 mission was capable of providing spectra of the atmospheric emissions over a broad wavelength range from 300 to 12,700 angstroms and acquiring each complete spectrum nearly simultaneously. The instrument was used to make observations on the day side and night side of the earth, looking down in the nadir direction, radially away from the earth, and in various limb-scanning modes. Observations were made looking at various angles to the vehicle velocity vector and during thruster firings and water dumps as well as at times when such events were inhibited. As a result of the mission a data base has been acquired that is valuable for studies of both the upper atmosphere and the shuttle-Spacelab vehicle environment.