Composite Infrared Spectrometer (CIRS)

PI: Mr. Virgil G. Kunde

CIRS Principal Investigator:

Mr. Virgil G. Kunde
NASA/Goddard Space Flight Center
Mail Code 693.2
Greenbelt, MD 20771-0001
USA

CIRS General Description:

WHAT IT MEASURES: The Composite Infrared Spectrometer (CIRS) measures the temperature, composition, cloud structure and dynamicsis as well as the surface and ring properties on Titan and Saturn.

How: Emissions of Infrared (heat) radiation from Saturn and Titan, over wavelengths from 7 to 1000 micrometers (1400 to 10 cm-1) are dispersed into their component wavelengths and analysed in terms of the gases, condensates (ices and clouds) and solid (surface and ring) materials present, and their physical properties such as temperature.

CIRS Scientific Objectives:

To map the global temperature structure within Titan's and Saturn's atmospheres.
To map the global gas composition within Titan's and Saturn's atmospheres.
To map global information on hazes and clouds within Titan's and Saturn's atmospheres.
To collect information on energetic processes within Titan's and Saturn's atmospheres.
To search for new molecular species within Titan's and Saturn's atmospheres.
To map the global surface temperatures at Titan's surface.
To map the composition and thermal characteristics of Saturn's rings and icy satellites.

CIRS Sensing Instruments:

Far-Infrared Spectrometer [FP1] (10 to 600 cm^-1; 4.3 mrad circular field of view)
Mid-Infrared Spectrometer [FP3] (600 to 1100 cm^-1; 1x10 array of 0.273 mrad squares)
Mid-Infrared Spectrometer [FP4] (1100 to 1400 cm^-1; 1x10 array of 0.273 mrad squares)

CIRS Instrument Characteristics:

Mass = 39.24 kg
Peak Operating Power = 32.89 W
Average Operating Power = 26.37 W
Peak Data Rate = 6.000 kilobits/sec
Dimensions (approximate) = 50-cm diameter telescope; 89 cm x 76 cm x 52 cm

COLLABORATORS

INSTITUTION

COUNTRY

ROLE

Professor F.W. Taylor

Dr. S.B. Calcutt

Dr.P.L. Read

University of Oxford,

Department of Atmospheric,

Oceanic & Planetary Physics.

Instrument cryogenic system development,

data analysis for meteorology and dynamics of

Titan's and Saturn's atmospheres.

Dr. P. Ade

QMW

Infrared filters

OTHERS FROM:

CEN/Saclay & Obsrvatoire de Paris - France, U Wuppertal - Germany, University of Hawaii, JPL & Cornell University - USA.

UK COST; Ł980K (Ł30.5M approximately - Total Cost)

CONTACT FOR PRESS ENQUIRIES; Professor F.W. Taylor - 01865 272903

Prof. Manuel Grande
Last updated: 11 June 2001