NASA: AWE “survived” the space environment simulation – What is its mission

The NASA’s Atmospheric Waves Experiment (AWE). successfully completed critical tests of the space environment. Designed for launch on the International Space Station, AWE will study gravity waves in Earth’s atmosphere to gain a deeper understanding of the connections caused by climate systems throughout our atmosphere and between the atmosphere and space.

From its unique vantage point on the International Space Station, AWE will look directly into Earth’s atmosphere to study how gravity waves travel in the upper atmosphere. Data collected by AWE will allow scientists to determine the physics and characteristics of atmospheric gravity waves and how Earth’s weather affects the ionosphere, which in turn can affect communications with satellites.

The AWE mission focuses on understanding gravity waves in the Earth’s atmosphere at altitudes between 50 and 500 kilometers, called the ionosphere-thermosphere-mesosphere system. Space weather in this region – especially the ionosphere – can significantly disrupt the space communication systems we rely on because of the high concentration of electrically charged particles there. By studying atmospheric gravity waves, scientists will understand more about how Earth’s weather affects upper atmospheric properties.

“AWE is a highly sensitive, precise science instrument designed to be aboard the International Space Station and operate in the harsh space environment,” said Burt Lamborn, AWE project manager at Space Dynamics Laboratory (SDL) of Utah State University, where the tests were conducted. be conducted. “To ensure AWE would survive the turbulence of launch and function as designed once in space, SDL put the instrument through its paces on the ground.”

The AWE instrument underwent electromagnetic interference/electromagnetic compatibility testing to ensure that it does not generate or emit electromagnetic signals that could affect other equipment on the space station and to verify that interference from the space station will not affect AWE’s ability to produces data. The AWE was also subjected to a vibration test on a shaker table that simulated the predicted launch vibration that the AWE would experience. During the thermal vacuum test, AWE experienced a simulated flight environment, including switching between extreme temperatures, hot and cold. Engineers performed a full system calibration to verify that the instrument meets mission requirements and demonstrate its performance and limitations under operational conditions.

AWE is directed by Michael Taylor at Utah State University in Logan and managed by the Explorers Program Office at NASA’s Goddard Space Flight Center in Greenbelt, Maryland. The University of Utah’s Space Dynamics Laboratory is building the AWE instrument and will provide the mission’s operations center.

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