ACE-FTS instrument: after five years on-orbit

Abstract

The Atmospheric Chemistry Experiment (ACE) is the mission on-board Canadian Space Agency's science satellite, SCISAT-1. ACE consists of a suite of instruments in which the primary element is an infrared Fourier Transform Spectrometer (FTS) coupled with an auxiliary 2-channel visible (525 nm) and near infrared imager (1020 nm). A secondary instrument, a grating spectrometer named MAESTRO, provides spectrographic data from the near ultra-violet to the near infrared, including the visible spectral range. With all instruments combined, the payload covers the spectral range from 0.25 to 13.3 micron. A comprehensive set of simultaneous measurements of trace gases, thin clouds, aerosols and temperature are being made by solar occultation from this satellite in low earth orbit. The ACE mission measures and analyses the chemical and dynamical processes that control the distribution of ozone in the upper troposphere and stratosphere. A high inclination (74°), low earth orbit (650 km) allows coverage of tropical, mid-latitude and polar regions. The ACE/SciSat-1 spacecraft was launched by NASA on August 12th, 2003. This paper presents the status of the ACE-FTS instrument, after nearly five years on-orbit. On-orbit SNR and some telemetry signals are presented. The health status of the instrument is discussed.