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Michelson Interferometer for Global High-resolution Thermospheric Imaging (MIGHTI): Monolithic Interferometer Design
John M Harlander1, Christoph R Englert2, Charles M Brown2
1Space Systems Research Corporation, 1940 Duke Street, Suite 200, Alexandria, VA 22314.
Space Science Reviews
|July 24, 2018
Summary
The Michelson Interferometer for Global High-resolution Thermospheric Imaging (MIGHTI) instrument uses novel interferometers to measure thermospheric wind and temperature. Laboratory tests confirm the successful design for NASA's ICON mission.
Area of Science:
- Space physics
- Atmospheric science
- Optical instrumentation
Background:
- The Ionospheric Connection (ICON) Explorer mission aims to study the Earth's thermosphere.
- Accurate measurements of thermospheric wind and temperature are crucial for understanding space weather and atmospheric dynamics.
Purpose of the Study:
- To describe the design and laboratory testing of the interferometers for the MIGHTI instrument.
- To validate the performance of the MIGHTI instrument's key components.
Main Methods:
- Utilizing Doppler Asymmetric Spatial Heterodyne (DASH) Spectroscopy for thermospheric wind measurements.
- Employing a multi-element photometer approach for thermospheric temperature measurements.
- Detailed design, fabrication, assembly, and laboratory testing of monolithic interferometers.
Main Results:
- Successful laboratory tests of the MIGHTI interferometers.
- Validation of the DASH technique and photometer approach for thermospheric measurements.
- Demonstration of effective thermal control for the instrument.
Conclusions:
- The MIGHTI instrument's interferometers are successfully designed and tested.
- The instrument is ready for deployment on the ICON mission to provide high-resolution thermospheric data.
- The developed technologies will advance the study of the Earth's upper atmosphere.
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