Title

Planetary Atmospheres Minor Species Sensor Balloon Flight Test To Near Space

Keywords

gas sensor; high-altitude balloon; intracavity laser absorption; near space; quantum cascade laser

Abstract

The Planetary Atmospheres Minor Species Sensor (PAMSS) is an intracavity laser absorption spectrometer that uses a mid-infrared quantum cascade laser in an open external cavity for sensing ultra-trace gases with parts-per-billion sensitivity. PAMSS was flown on a balloon by Near Space Corporation from Madras OR to 30 km on 17 July 2014. Based on lessons learned, it was modified and was flown a second time to 32 km by World View Enterprises from Pinal AirPark AZ on 8 March 2015. Successes included continuous operation and survival of software, electronics, optics, and optical alignment during extreme conditions and a rough landing. Operation of PAMSS in the relevant environment of near space has significantly elevated its Technical Readiness Level for trace-gas sensing with potential for planetary and atmospheric science in harsh environments.

Publication Date

1-1-2015

Publication Title

Proceedings of SPIE - The International Society for Optical Engineering

Volume

9491

Document Type

Article; Proceedings Paper

Personal Identifier

scopus

DOI Link

https://doi.org/10.1117/12.2176621

Socpus ID

84943339932 (Scopus)

Source API URL

https://api.elsevier.com/content/abstract/scopus_id/84943339932

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