SCISAT-1/ACE Web Site: www.science.sp-agency.ca/J3-SCISAT-1.htm Environmental Qualification of the ACE-FTS Instrument

The Atmospheric Chemistry Experiment (ACE) is the mission selected by the Canadian Space Agency (CSA) for its next science satellite, SCISAT-1. ACE consists of a suite of instruments in which the primary element is an infrared Fourier Transform Spectrometer (FTS) coupled with an auxiliary 2-channel visible (525 nm) and near infrared imager (1020 nm). A secondary instrument, MAESTRO, provides spectrographic data from the near ultra-violet to the near infrared, including the visible spectral range. In combination the instrument payload covers the spectral range from 0.25 to 13.3 micron. A comprehensive set of simultaneous measurements of trace gases, thin clouds, aerosols and temperature will be made by solar occultation from a satellite in low earth orbit. The ACE mission will measure and analyse the chemical and dynamical processes that control the distribution of ozone in the upper troposphere and stratosphere. A high inclination (74 degrees), low earth orbit (650 km) allows coverage of tropical, mid-latitude and polar regions. This paper describes the results of the environmental qualification campaign of the ACE-FTS instrument flight model. Performance test results during thermal-vacuum (TVAC) testing are presented. Stability of the instrument at various temperatures under thermal and vacuum environment are discussed. Qualification of the ACE-FTS under vibrations at instrument and spacecraft levels are covered