The cloud imaging and particle size experiment on the Aeronomy of Ice in the mesosphere mission: Instrument concept, design, calibration, and on-orbit performance

摘要: Abstract The Cloud Imaging and Particle Size Experiment (CIPS) is one of three instruments aboard the Aeronomy Ice in Mesosphere spacecraft. CIPS provides panoramic ultraviolet images atmosphere over a wide range scattering angles order to determine presence polar mesospheric clouds, measure their spatial morphology, constrain parameters cloud particle size distribution. AIM science objectives motivate measurement approach drive instrument requirements design, leading configuration four wide-angle cameras arrayed ‘+’ arrangement that covers 120° (along orbit track)×80° (across track) field view. began routine operations on May 24, 4 weeks after was launched. It measures scattered radiances from PMCs near 83 km altitude derive morphology information by recording multiple exposures individual clouds PMC phase functions detect nadir horizontal scales approximately 3 km. This paper describes its prelaunch characterization calibration, flight operations. Flight observations calibration activities confirm performance inferred during ground test, verifying exceeds goals. These results are illustrated with example demonstrate performance.