Cryogenic infrared /IR/ spectral measurements on board the Space Shuttle - CIRRIS

The intended applications of the AFGL Cryogenic IR Radiance Instrumentation for Shuttle (CIRRIS) experiment to evaluate the Shuttle environment contamination against an earthlimb background in the 2.5-25 micron region is described. There is concern that sensitive electro-optic systems will be contaminated by molecules outgassing from the Shuttle bay. The pollution sources include the fuel cells, the flash evaporator, and the reaction control system thrusters, with the primary contaminants identified as H2O and CO2. The CIRRIS has an accuracy of 0.5-1/cm resolution, to provide detailed identification of contaminants. The instrumentation comprises a high spectral resolution cryogenic Michelson interferometer-spectrometer linked to a high straylight rejection telescope with a coaligned photometer and cameras. Data gained using CIRRIS will be used to characterize the impacts of Shuttle induced contamination on future IR measurement programs