SpaceX Dragon cargo spacecraft, carrying important science and supplies to the crew on the International Space Station, launched, Feb. 19, 2017. These experiments will look into a range of scientific disciplines from human health to atmospheric conditions on Earth. This was the first commercial launch from historic Launch Pad 39A since it was used for Shuttle missions. (Photo: NASA)
By U.S. Naval Research Laboratory Public Affairs
Scientists at the U.S. Naval Research Laboratory are conducting two of 13 experiments on a Department of Defense Space Test Program mission that launched Feb. 19.
The launch took place at Cape Canaveral Air Force Station, Fla. and transported the STP-H5 payload to the International Space Station.
Drs. Scott Budzien and Ted Finne, NRL research scientists, prepare Global Positioning System (GPS) Radio Occultation and Ultraviolet Photometer Co-located (GROUP-C) for vibration tests prior to ISS launch.
Research physicists, Drs. Andrew Stephan and Scott Budzien of NRL’s Space Science Division, are lead investigators of the Limb-Imaging Ionospheric and Thermospheric Extreme Ultraviolet Spectrograph (LITES) and the Global Positioning System (GPS) Radio Occultation and Ultraviolet Photometer Co-located (GROUP-C) experiments.
Budzien’s GROUP-C study uses GPS radio occultation and high-sensitivity UV photometry to remotely observe the horizontal and vertical structures of the ionosphere. Using remote sensing within the orbit plane, GROUP-C characterizes the low and mid-altitude ionosphere, specifically focusing on two-dimensional features at night.
“Our team is very excited to have the opportunity to fly the GROUP-C experiment on the International Space Station,” said Budzien.
Dr. Andrew “Andy” Stephan makes adjustments to Limb-Imaging Ionospheric and Thermospheric Extreme Ultraviolet Spectrograph (LITES) instrument before an upcoming launch.
Stephan says the LITES experiment will capture images of extreme-and-far UV airglow, the naturally-occurring light created by atoms and molecules in the upper atmosphere. Aiming LITES towards this atmospheric region between 100 and 350 km (60 to 210 miles) above the horizon will determine the composition and density of the ionosphere, thermosphere, and other properties of the overall space environment.
Stephan and Budzien affirm that GROUP-C and LITES have “unprecedented” remote sensing aptitudes in combination with one another.
Watch the replay of the launch here.
RELATED LINKS: NRL’s Two Space Station Sensors Look at Coastal Oceans, Ionosphere
Saturday Space Sight: Solar Eclipse from the International Space Station
Saturday Space Sight: Inside the International Space Station Cupola
Follow the Department of Defense on Facebook and Twitter!
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Disclaimer: The appearance of hyperlinks does not constitute endorsement by the Department of Defense of this website or the information, products or services contained therein. For other than authorized activities such as military exchanges and Morale, Welfare and Recreation sites, the Department of Defense does not exercise any editorial control over the information you may find at these locations. Such links are provided consistent with the stated purpose of this DOD website.
from Armed with Science http://ift.tt/2l7TF4S
SpaceX Dragon cargo spacecraft, carrying important science and supplies to the crew on the International Space Station, launched, Feb. 19, 2017. These experiments will look into a range of scientific disciplines from human health to atmospheric conditions on Earth. This was the first commercial launch from historic Launch Pad 39A since it was used for Shuttle missions. (Photo: NASA)
By U.S. Naval Research Laboratory Public Affairs
Scientists at the U.S. Naval Research Laboratory are conducting two of 13 experiments on a Department of Defense Space Test Program mission that launched Feb. 19.
The launch took place at Cape Canaveral Air Force Station, Fla. and transported the STP-H5 payload to the International Space Station.
Drs. Scott Budzien and Ted Finne, NRL research scientists, prepare Global Positioning System (GPS) Radio Occultation and Ultraviolet Photometer Co-located (GROUP-C) for vibration tests prior to ISS launch.
Research physicists, Drs. Andrew Stephan and Scott Budzien of NRL’s Space Science Division, are lead investigators of the Limb-Imaging Ionospheric and Thermospheric Extreme Ultraviolet Spectrograph (LITES) and the Global Positioning System (GPS) Radio Occultation and Ultraviolet Photometer Co-located (GROUP-C) experiments.
Budzien’s GROUP-C study uses GPS radio occultation and high-sensitivity UV photometry to remotely observe the horizontal and vertical structures of the ionosphere. Using remote sensing within the orbit plane, GROUP-C characterizes the low and mid-altitude ionosphere, specifically focusing on two-dimensional features at night.
“Our team is very excited to have the opportunity to fly the GROUP-C experiment on the International Space Station,” said Budzien.
Dr. Andrew “Andy” Stephan makes adjustments to Limb-Imaging Ionospheric and Thermospheric Extreme Ultraviolet Spectrograph (LITES) instrument before an upcoming launch.
Stephan says the LITES experiment will capture images of extreme-and-far UV airglow, the naturally-occurring light created by atoms and molecules in the upper atmosphere. Aiming LITES towards this atmospheric region between 100 and 350 km (60 to 210 miles) above the horizon will determine the composition and density of the ionosphere, thermosphere, and other properties of the overall space environment.
Stephan and Budzien affirm that GROUP-C and LITES have “unprecedented” remote sensing aptitudes in combination with one another.
Watch the replay of the launch here.
RELATED LINKS: NRL’s Two Space Station Sensors Look at Coastal Oceans, Ionosphere
Saturday Space Sight: Solar Eclipse from the International Space Station
Saturday Space Sight: Inside the International Space Station Cupola
Follow the Department of Defense on Facebook and Twitter!
———
Disclaimer: The appearance of hyperlinks does not constitute endorsement by the Department of Defense of this website or the information, products or services contained therein. For other than authorized activities such as military exchanges and Morale, Welfare and Recreation sites, the Department of Defense does not exercise any editorial control over the information you may find at these locations. Such links are provided consistent with the stated purpose of this DOD website.
from Armed with Science http://ift.tt/2l7TF4S
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