Millimeter wave atmospheric sounding from space shuttle

Determining the three-dimensional distribution of minor constituents and the temperature throughout the middle atmosphere (approximately 10 to 100 km) on a global scale is a fundamental requirement to understand the complex chemistry and dynamics of this region. Millimeter wave spectroradiometry using limb sounding technique from a spacecraft in low orbit offers the opportunity to obtain height profiles with near global coverage. The Millimeter Wave Atmospheric Sounder (MAS) to be flown on Space Shuttle will measure ozone, water vapour, chlorine monoxide, temperature and pressure over an altitude range of 15 to 100 km. MAS is scheduled for the Atmospheric Laboratory for Application and Science (ATLAS) Missions 1, 2 and 3 at roughly one year intervals with a first start in 1989. Scientific fundamentals, design rationales and technical solutions are presented.