Auroral X-ray imaging from high- and low-earth orbitObservations of bremsstrahlung X-rays emitted by energetic electrons impacting the earth's atmosphere can be used for remotely sensing the morphology, intensity, and energy spectra of electron precipitation from the magnetosphere. Two auroral X-ray imagers, developed for future spaceflight, will be discussed. Polar Ionospheric X-ray Imaging Experiment is scheduled for launch on the NASA International Solar-Terrestrial Physics/Global Geospace Science program POLAR satellite in May, 1994. The POLAR orbit, with an apogee and perigee of 9 and 1.8 R(E) (earth radii), respectively, affords the opportunity to image the aurora from high altitude above the north pole continuously for several hours. The Magnetospheric Atmospheric X-ray Imaging Experiment is scheduled for launch aboard the NOAA-I satellite in late 1992. The 800-km polar orbit passes over both the northern and southern auroral zones every 101 minutes. The presentation emphasizes the experimental approaches used to exploit these very different orbits for remote sensing of the earth's auroral zones.
Document ID
19930043083
Acquisition Source
Legacy CDMS
Document Type
Conference Paper
Authors
Mckenzie, D. L. (NASA Goddard Space Flight Center Greenbelt, MD, United States)
Gorney, D. J. (Aerospace Corp., Space and Environment Technology Center Los Angeles, CA, United States)
Imhof, W. L. (Lockheed Research Labs. Palo Alto, CA, United States)
Date Acquired
August 16, 2013
Publication Date
January 1, 1992
Publication Information
Publication: In: Instrumentation for planetary and terrestrial atmospheric remote sensing; Proceedings of the Meeting, San Diego, CA, July 23, 24, 1992 (A93-27076 09-35)
Publisher: Society of Photo-Optical Instrumentation Engineers