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Ocean Color Instrument Integration and TestingThis paper describes the plans, flows, key facilities, components and equipment necessary to fully integrate, functionally test, qualify and calibrate the Ocean Color Instrument (OCI) on the Plankton, Aerosols, Clouds, and oceans Ecosystem (PACE) observatory. PACE is currently in the design phase of mission development. It is scheduled to launch in 2022, extending and improving NASA's twenty-year record of satellite observations of global ocean biology, aerosols and clouds. PACE will advance the assessment of ocean health by measuring the distribution of phytoplankton, which are small plants and algae that sustain the marine food web. It will also continue systematic records of key atmospheric variables associated with air quality and the Earth's climate. PACE's primary sensor, the OCI, is a highly advanced optical spectrometer that will be used to measure properties of light over portions of the electromagnetic spectrum. It will enable continuous measurement of light at finer wavelength resolution than previous NASA satellite sensors, extending key system ocean color data records for climate studies. The color of the ocean is determined by the interaction of sunlight with substances or particles present in seawater such as chlorophyll. By monitoring global phytoplankton distribution and abundance with unprecedented detail, the OCI will contribute to a better understanding of the complex systems that drive ocean ecology and it's impacts on global fisheries. This paper will focus on the Integration and Test (I&T) activities for OCI while it is at the NASA Goddard Space Flight Center. The OCI integration consists of assembly and alignment of the rotating telescope, electronics box integration, fixed deck assembly integration, thermal systems integration and the final assembly and testing. This I&T phase will be followed by the OCI calibration and characterization, environmental tests which include electromagnetic interference (EMI)/electromagnetic compatibility (EMC), vibration with sine sweep, acoustics, shock, thermal balance, thermal vacuum, mass properties and center of gravity. This paper will briefly discuss OCI shipment and delivery to the spacecraft vendor for observatory level I&T as well as some launch preparation activities.
Document ID
20190001287
Acquisition Source
Goddard Space Flight Center
Document Type
Conference Paper
Authors
Petro, Susanna
(NASA Goddard Space Flight Center Greenbelt, MD, United States)
Sohl, David
(NASA Goddard Space Flight Center Greenbelt, MD, United States)
Hilton, George
(Newton Engineering & Product Development Hyattsville, MD, United States)
Espiritu, Mellina
(NASA Goddard Space Flight Center Greenbelt, MD, United States)
Date Acquired
March 7, 2019
Publication Date
March 2, 2019
Subject Category
Oceanography
Spacecraft Design, Testing And Performance
Report/Patent Number
GSFC-E-DAA-TN61400
Meeting Information
Meeting: International Conference for Aerospace Experts, Academics, Military Personnel, and Industry Leaders
Location: Big Sky, MT
Country: United States
Start Date: March 2, 2019
End Date: March 9, 2019
Sponsors: Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers
Funding Number(s)
CONTRACT_GRANT: NNG15HQ01C
Distribution Limits
Public
Copyright
Public Use Permitted.
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