Catherine Tsouvaltsidis, Department of Earth and Space Science and Engineering, York University, Guy Bernari, PhD Candidate, Department of Earth and Space Science and Engineering, York University, Naif Zaid Al Salem, MSc Candidate, Physics and Astronomy, York University, Brendan Quine, Associate Professor, Department of Earth and Space Science and Engineering, York University, Regina Lee, Associate Professor, Department of Earth and Space Science and Engineering, York University
Keywords: ArgusE, Argus 1000, micro-spectrometer, Earth Observations, Atmospheric Observations, Soil Moisture Content, Infrared, IR, Short Wave Infrared, SWIR
Abstract:
In this paper we will discuss the design and development of the ArgusE. The ArgusE is a micro-spectrometer which has been developed for Earth and atmospheric monitoring purposes. The project is primarily focused on using the ArgusE micro-spectrometer in order to ascertain whether it is possible to obtain surface soil moisture content measurements from space using its short-wave infrared detector. The secondary objective of the project is to quantify greenhouse gases that could be studied within new spectral range.
The ArgusE is built on Argus 1000 micro-spectrometer design and spaceflight heritage. Currently, on the CanX-2 mission launched in 2008, the Argus 1000 micro-spectrometer observes the infrared solar radiation reflected by Earth surface targets as small as 1.5 km2 and the atmosphere (aerosols, clouds, and constituents). Over the past five years that Argus 1000 has been in operation, we have accumulated more than 200 observations from a series of land and ocean targets. It was followed by the SRMSAT, launched in 2011 (India). Currently all space-based Argus 1000s are collecting Earth and atmospheric observation data within the 0.9-1.7 micrometers spectral range, with special focus on CO2 and other greenhouse gases, and cloud and coastline detection.
GENSPECT, a line-by-line radiative Matlab-based toolbox is used to calculate gas absorption and emissivity for a custom grouping of atmospheric gases. Given gas types and amounts, temperature, pressure, path length and frequency range for an atmosphere or laboratory cell, GENSPECT computes the spectral characteristics of the gas mixture. The resulting models used to discover the potential monitoring of atmospheric greenhouse gases and topical soil moisture content will be discussed and displayed graphically.
In addition, this paper will showcase the chassis redesign and change of electronics which allow the ArgusE to now showcase the spectral region of 1.7 to 2.2 micrometers. It will also discuss the laboratory experimental procedures of the new instrument calibration and spectral collection of soil moisture , and will present a study surrounding a potential for a new chassis material to homopolymer acetal Delrin (150 SA). The results of ASTM-E 595 Outgassing Test will be discussed.
Date of Conference: September 15-18, 2015
Track: Poster