Model for Radiation Contamination by Outgassing from Space Platforms
Abstract
Infrared sensors mounted on space platforms (e.g., Space Shuttle and satellites) may be subject to infrared radiation contamination from molecular gases released from the platform itself. Models for order-of-magnitude estimates of the contamination level caused by this effect are formulated. The mechanisms for vibrational excitation of the ejected species include: (1) thermal excitation at the platform surface, (2) absorption of solar and earthshine radiation, and (3) collisions with ambient atmospheric species. Application of the model to estimate the effects that the outgassing of H20 from the Shuttle environment would have on the CIRRIS 1A earth-limb radiance mission indicates that detection in the 2.7-micro spectral region would by only slightly degraded, but that detection around 6.3 micro may be seriously impaired by the mechanism of absorption and reemission of earthshine radiation by the H20 contamination molecules. Keywords: Radiation contamination, Shuttle environment, Infrared radiation, Spacecraft outgassing.
Document Details
- Document Type
- Technical Report
- Publication Date
- Jul 13, 1988
- Accession Number
- ADA198198
Entities
People
- Ronald R. Herm
- Stephen J. Young
Organizations
- The Aerospace Corporation