The Role of Passive Sounder Packages on Spacelab

Abstract

This paper is based on the results of an ESA-sponsored study of passive sounders for Spacelab, the objectives of which were defined as:-

“To study the objectives, in atmospheric science, which can be reached using Spacelab-borne passive sounders and the definition, description, accommodation and operation of coordinated sets of instruments on Spacelab. The study should aim primarily at establishing one or several model payloads compatible with the constraints of the first Spacelab flight and consistent with its resources; particular emphasis should be put on (passive) experiments complementary to the LIDAR facility, in case this facility is included in the first Spacelab payload. A secondary aim should be a preliminary definition of integrated atmospheric payloads which could be flown in less-constrained later Spacelab missions.”