CIRRIS-1A
Cryogenic Infrared Radiance Instrumentation for Shuttle
SDL developed CIRRIS-1A for the Air Force Research Laboratory (AFRL) to obtain simultaneous spectral and spatial
measurements of atmospheric emissions, including airglow and auroral phenomenology.
Secondary objectives were to characterize targets of opportunity such as LEO
satellites passing within viewing range of the sensors, and to assess shuttle
contamination.
SDL designed, built, integrated and tested this highly successful cryogenic
infrared telescope, which contained a high resolution Michelson interferometer-spectrometer
and a dual channel radiometer. These sensors shared the common collecting optics
of a high off-axis-rejection 0.3 µm telescope.
CIRRIS-1A successfully launched on 28 April 1991 aboard the Space Shuttle Discovery.
Data obtained has led to an improved understanding of upper atmospheric composition
and physics and significantly updated atmospheric models.
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SDL's Infrared Capabilities