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The Measurements Of Pollution In The Troposphere (MOPITT)
instrument, which was by far the largest and most complex instrument
ever undertaken by the Canadian
Space Agency (CSA), was launched on the Terra
spacecraft in late 1999 (follow the link for information on the
spacecraft status and current mission operations). MOPITT is an
infrared radiometer designed to measure carbon monoxide (CO) and
methane (CH4) total column concentrations, and CO vertical profile
concentrations.
COM DEV was the prime contractor for the CSA and provided
systems engineering, detailed design, manufacturing, assembly
and test. Some of the specific technologies used in the MOPITT
instrument include:
- infrared optics (136 optical elements in the flight
model)
- long life optical mechanisms (e.g. 1800 RPM
for 5 years)
- radiation hard electronics (mechanism drive, thermal
control, digital signal processing, detector readout,
control computer)
- infrared detectors (InSb detectors and cryogenic preamplifiers)
- cryogenic cooling down to 90 K (-183°C)
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COM DEV also supported instrument calibration at the University
of Toronto, spacecraft integration/test at Lockheed Martin Missiles
and Space in Pennsylvania, and launch operations which occurred
at Vandenberg Air Force Base in California. Initial flight operations
support took place as the Goddard Space Flight Center in Greenbelt,
Maryland. Flight operations now take place from the physics department
at the University of Toronto with COM DEV providing continued
support. The instrument is operating well and is meeting all science
requirements.
Terra Integration and Launch Sequence
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Terra spacecraft being encapsulated into payload fairing.
MOPITT instrument is outlined. (Photo courtesty of NASA) |
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Launch of Terra, December 18, 1999. (Photo
courtesy of NASA) |
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Artist's concept of the Terra spacecraft in orbit. |
| MOPITT Technologies |
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MOPITT Coolers |
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Infrared
Detector Nest |
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SPM Electronics
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LMC Mechanism |
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MOPITT Infrared
Optics |
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Chopper
Mechanism |
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