Abstract

In this paper we describe the Pressure Modulator Infrared Radiometer (PMIRR); a candidate atmospheric sounder for the forthcoming Mars Geoscience/Climatology Observer mission (MGCO). The PMIRR employs pressure modulation gas correlation spectroscopy and narrow band filter radiometry in the 7-50 μm spectral range in both limb-scanning and nadir sounding modes to obtain simultaneous vertical profiles of temperature, water vapor, dust and condensates in the atmosphere of Mars. The PMIRR instrument concept builds upon a substantial heritage of flight-proven hardware used on Earth and Venus orbiting spacecraft.

© 1985 Optical Society of America