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Evaluation of GLO: a Solar Occultation Instrument for Measuring Atmospheric Trace Species on CubeSat Missions

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dc.contributor.authorRosich, Garrett Kyleen
dc.contributor.committeechairBailey, Scott M.en
dc.contributor.committeememberRuohoniemi, J. Michaelen
dc.contributor.committeememberEarle, Gregory D.en
dc.contributor.departmentElectrical and Computer Engineeringen
dc.date.accessioned2017-06-10T08:01:38Zen
dc.date.available2017-06-10T08:01:38Zen
dc.date.issued2017-06-09en
dc.description.abstractCubeSats provide an inexpensive means for space-based research. However, optimal mission design depends on minimizing payload size and power. This thesis investigates the GLO (GFCR (Gas Filter Correlation Radiometry) Limb Occultation) prototype, a new small-form-factor design that enables sub-kilometer resolution of the vertical profile of atmospheric trace species to determine radiative influences. This technology improves SWAP (Size, Weight, And Power) over heritage SOFIE and HALOE instruments and provides a cost-effective alternative for solar occultation limb monitoring. A python script was developed to analyze solar intensity through GLO telescope channels. Non-uniform aerosol images used a peak intensity algorithm compared to the edge detection function designed for GFCR channels. Scaling corrections were made for beam splitter inaccuracy and SNR was characterized for frame collection. Different cameras were tested to weigh accuracy versus cost of a camera baffle. Using the Langley plot method, solar intensity versus changes in the solar zenith angle were measured for extrapolation of optical depths. AERONET, a network of ground-based sun photometers measuring atmospheric aerosols, was used for aerosol optical depth validation. Spectral Calculator transmission data allowed for GFCR vacuum channel comparison, gas cell spectral analysis, and gas cell to vacuum channel optical depth examination. Ground testing provided promising results with the low-cost prototype. It will be further evaluated through a balloon flight demonstration using a flight-ready GLO instrument. Additionally, analysis for the DUSTIE mission is planned and simulated using STK and Matlab. This includes CubeSat bus selection, orbit analysis for occultation occurrences, power budgeting, and communication capabilities.en
dc.description.abstractgeneralCube Satellites (CubeSats) provide an inexpensive means for space-based research. However, optimal mission design depends on minimizing payload size and power. This thesis investigates the GLO (GFCR (Gas Filter Correlation Radiometry) Limb Occultation) prototype. This technology will determine the influences on the energy balance between the Earth and atmosphere due to aerosol and gas particle concentrations. This is implemented with improved SWAP (Size, Weight, And Power) compared to previously flown instruments. Scaling corrections were made for beam splitter inaccuracy and the Signal-to-Noise Ratio (SNR) was characterized for frame collection for the demonstration GLO instrument. The changing solar intensity as the sun moved across the sky was measured to infer aerosol and gas concentrations in the atmosphere. A network of ground-based sun photometers measuring atmospheric aerosols was used to validate aerosol concentration measurements. GLO vacuum channel measurements and gas cell properties were compared to transmission simulations for accuracy. Ground testing provided promising results with the low-cost prototype. It will be further evaluated through a balloon flight demonstration using a flight-ready GLO instrument. Additionally, analysis for the Dust Sounder and Temperature Imager Experiment (DUSTIE) mission is planned and simulated using STK and Matlab. This includes CubeSat bus selection, orbit analysis for occultation occurrences, power budgeting, and communication capabilities.en
dc.description.degreeMaster of Scienceen
dc.format.mediumETDen
dc.identifier.othervt_gsexam:11095en
dc.identifier.urihttp://hdl.handle.net/10919/78013en
dc.publisherVirginia Techen
dc.rightsIn Copyrighten
dc.rights.urihttp://rightsstatements.org/vocab/InC/1.0/en
dc.subjectCubeSaten
dc.subjectGFCRen
dc.subjectGLOen
dc.subjectOptical Depthen
dc.subjectSolar Occultationen
dc.titleEvaluation of GLO: a Solar Occultation Instrument for Measuring Atmospheric Trace Species on CubeSat Missionsen
dc.typeThesisen
thesis.degree.disciplineElectrical Engineeringen
thesis.degree.grantorVirginia Polytechnic Institute and State Universityen
thesis.degree.levelmastersen
thesis.degree.nameMaster of Scienceen

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