GIFTS EDU Validation
UW-SSEC/CIMSS AERIbago

Date:  18 Sept 2006 (Monday)
Crew: DeSlover  (Zhou)
Author: DeSlover, Zhou
http://www.ssec.wisc.edu/gifts/edu/

	Weather Conditions:

Clear.

	Instrument Analysis

All instruments operated nominally.

Sondes (2) 1611, 2231 UTC

Note:  No temperature probe readings for the second sonde launch due to gas release from top of building.

Vaisala Temperature Probe Readings:

1618 UTC
AERI-05			31.3% RH,	18.8 C
Midpoint to mirror	31.0% RH,	19.0 C
Mirror			47.4% RH,	14.2 C
AERIbago		46.1% RH,	14.3 C

	Science Discussion

Two events were completed: Vibration Test Event (VTE) and Outgas Monitoring Event (OME).

VTE preparation began at 1430 UTC to adjust the cryo-cooler to 55 C.Ê At 1530 UTC 25 long scans of sky view were
collected following internal calibration.Ê The cryo-cooler was then turned off and the temperature drifted up to about
60 C; during this 10 min period, 25 long scans of sky view were collected.Ê When the temperature was 59.8 C, the
cryo-cooler was turned on to keep the temperature at 60 C and another 25 long scans of sky view were collected.Ê
An int. cal. sequence was performed at the end.Ê

The OME gas release at the top of the building was ready at 2000 UTC.Ê MOE started about 2200 UTC. Ê A 5x5 grid
(about 30 min) with 2 long scans for each scan was collected before the SF6 release.  When the SF6 was released,
the SF6 spectral lines were confirmed from the GIFTS quick look screen before another 5x5 grid with 2 long scans for
each scan was collected.Ê The gas release was stopped. Ê SDL generated a single FOV image of the raw count at
948 cm-1 to see if spatial distribution of the gas could be observed over a single FOV.Ê Data was then collected for a
single FOV with 35 long scans, with gas released at the 6th scan and stopped at the 30th scan.Ê This was repeated with
40 long scans at a different gas rate and a different FOV position (gas released at 6th scan and stopped at the 30th
scan).Ê The OME lasted about 3.5 hours.

The one remaining event is the Jitter Test Event (JTE).Ê SDL is planing for some small tests for the rest of the week.Ê
This also allow some time to consider any required re-runs.Ê Current plan is to run JTE next week after the chamber
and ext. mirror are re-located for GIFTS to view the western mountains.Ê The AERIbago will be relocated also for this
event.