A report describes the Submillimeter Planetary Atmospheric Chemistry Exploration Sounder (SPACES), a highsensitivity laboratory breadboard for a spectrometer targeted at orbital planetary atmospheric analysis. The frequency range is 520 to 590 GHz, with a target noise temperature sensitivity of 2,500 K for detecting water, sulfur compounds, carbon compounds, and other atmospheric constituents. SPACES is a prototype for a powerful tool for the exploration of the chemistry and dynamics of any planetary atmosphere. It is fundamentally a single-pixel receiver for spectral signals emitted by the relevant constituents, intended to be fed by a fixed or movable telescope/antenna. Its front-end sensor translates the received signal down to the 100-MHz range where it can be digitized and the data transferred to a spectrum analyzer for processing, spectrum generation, and accumulation.
The individual microwave and submillimeter wave components (mixers, LO high-powered amplifiers, and multipliers) of SPACES were developed in cooperation with other programs, although with this type of instrument in mind. Compared to previous planetary and Earth science instruments, its broad bandwidth (≈13%) and rapid tunability (≈10 ms) are new developments only made possible recently by the advancement in submillimeter circuit design and processing at JPL.
This work was done by Erich T. Schlecht, Mark A. Allen, John J. Gill, Choonsup Lee, Robert H. Lin, Seth Sin, Imran Mehdi, and Peter H. Siegel of Caltech; and Alain Maestrini of the Observatoire de Paris for NASA’s Jet Propulsion Laboratory. NPO-48207
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Submillimeter Planetary Atmospheric Chemistry Exploration Sounder
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Overview
The document outlines the development and capabilities of the Submillimeter Planetary Atmospheric Chemistry Exploration Sounder (SPACES), a high-sensitivity miniature spectrometer designed for orbital planetary atmospheric analysis. This innovative technology aims to enable rapid and precise analysis of planetary atmospheres, detecting constituent gases in parts-per-billion concentrations and providing detailed temperature and pressure profiles. The data collected will facilitate the mapping of atmospheric chemistry and dynamics for various scientific purposes.
Key objectives of SPACES include the localization of geothermal hot spots and volcanic activity on Mars, the identification of potential life-supporting environments, and the analysis of atmospheric dynamics to enhance the accuracy of entry, descent, and landing (EDL) operations. For Venus, the instrument aims to acquire a comprehensive inventory of the middle atmosphere's composition and to study its dynamics, offering insights into both current conditions and historical atmospheric changes.
A notable feature of SPACES is its wide tunability, allowing it to observe a broad range of molecular lines across various chemical species. This capability is crucial for understanding the complex atmospheric processes on different planetary bodies.
The document details the system design, including the submillimeter wave front end, microwave downconverter, and instrument controller, as well as the frequency switching and data analysis processes. Laboratory tests are described, demonstrating the instrument's stability and suitability for accumulating spectral data while rapidly switching frequencies. For instance, tests were conducted at 540 and 570 GHz, with data accumulated over a short integration time, simulating conditions similar to those expected during Mars orbital operations.
The document also outlines future work and potential publications stemming from this research, emphasizing the ongoing commitment to advancing planetary atmospheric science. Overall, SPACES represents a significant step forward in the capability to analyze and understand planetary atmospheres, with implications for both scientific research and practical applications in space exploration.
This Technical Support Package serves as a resource for those interested in the technological advancements in atmospheric chemistry exploration and the broader implications for planetary science.
