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September 28, 2025Open Access

Thermal Infrared Spectrometers for the Polar Radiant Energy in the Far‐Infrared Experiment (PREFIRE)

BDBrian J. DrouinCalifornia Institute of Technology TLTristan L’EcuyerUniversity of Wisconsin System SPSharmila PadmanabhanJet Propulsion Laboratory

Key Points

The TIRS systems achieve a spectral resolution of 1.71 m below 35 m sampled at 0.86 m increments, enabling detailed atmospheric analysis.
Each TIRS system weighs only 2.7 kg and consumes 4.3 W of power, indicating a compact and efficient design for space applications.
The design involves a novel integration of compact thermopile arrays with imaging spectrometry, presenting challenges and limitations in cost.
A trade study evaluated spectral sampling and the separation of cloudy and clear scenes at 20 km scales, highlighting key operational parameters.

Abstract

Abstract The Polar Radiant Energy in the Far‐InfraRed Experiment (PREFIRE) was selected by NASA to fly two miniaturized Thermal InfraRed Spectrometers (TIRS) capable of distinguishing the spectral signatures of surface and atmospheric properties in Earth's polar regions. A trade study examining spectral sampling as well as separation of cloudy and clear scenery at 20 km scales highlighted the possibility to utilize ambient (uncooled) detector technologies in a miniaturized spectrometer that could facilitate low‐cost and rapid access to space. This work describes the design, implementation, testing and performance of two TIRS systems, as well as the challenges and acceptable limitations of the cost‐constrained effort, that feature the novel joining of compact thermopile array technologies with concentric imaging spectrometry methods. The TIRS systems presented here each have 2.7 kg mass, draw 4.3 W power, and provide spectral resolution of 1.71 m below 35 m sampled at 0.86 m increments.

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