MIPAS instrument

The MIPAS mission

Remote sensing payload covering frequencies from the UV to the sub-mm region. Pointed gondola. Pointing reference based on GPS-aided inertial navigation system and torque controlled azimuth, along with CCD star camera as absolute reference (only at night). Same pointing reference used by MIPAS-B and TELIS. All remote sensing instruments point at the same airmasses. Free choice of elevation and azimuth of line of sight tailored to the scientific objective. Comprehensive measurements of source gases, reactive species, aerosol/cloud parameters and temperature. More than 40 species measured, about a third of them by more than one sensor on the same gondola (cross-comparison). Payload flown in the same configuration already three times. Synergy by combination of various frequency ranges, e.g. for closing budgets, spectroscopy issues, penetration into clouds, sensitivity to non-LTE processes. MIPAS and TELIS can measure day and night, ideally suited for studying photochemistry of short-lived species. Continuous measurement during ascent and from ceiling altitude.

Products available through Ether

HNO3, NO2, N2O5, HO2NO2, ClONO2, ClO, N2O, CH4, O3.