The Solar Mass Ejection Imager Optics and Baffles: Design and Construction
Abstract
The purpose of SMEI is a proof-of-concept of the ability to predict geomagnetic disturbances for Air Force space operations and to establish the feasibility of tracking interplanetary disturbances from the Sun to the Earth and beyond. The major subsystems of SMEI are an electronic Camera Assembly, a Data Handling Unit and interconnection harnesses. Each electronic Camera component consists of a baffle, radiator, bright object sensor, strongbox (CCD, mirrors and shutter) and electronics box. The electronic Camera Assembly is used to observe in visible light mass ejections from the Sun by sensing sunlight scattered from clouds of solar-produced interplanetary electrons. Predictions of arrival time at Earth of this disturbance can be made up to three days in advance.
- Publication:
-
NASA STI/Recon Technical Report N
- Pub Date:
- November 2000
- Bibcode:
- 2000STIN...0226912J
- Keywords:
-
- Interplanetary Space;
- Solar Corona;
- Mass;
- Satellite Imagery;
- Optical Equipment;
- Design Analysis;
- Fabrication;
- Earth Orbits;
- Shock Waves;
- Energy Transfer;
- Free Electrons;
- Solar Activity;
- Data Processing Equipment;
- Solar Wind;
- Magnetic Disturbances;
- Military Operations;
- Earth (Planet);
- Solar Physics