Demonstrating Technologies for Hyperspectral Infrared Remote Sensing from Space on a CubeSat (Conference Presentation)

CubeSats offer a low cost platform for remote sensing and in-situ measurements in space. Not only is the cost of the spacecraft low, but also the cost of the launch since typically CubeSats are secondary payloads to the primary satellite being launched. Despite the low available volume, mass and power and a typically less than ideal orbit, the platform can be ideal for demonstrating technology and even achieving certain science quality measurements. In this talk we discuss the CubeSat Infrared Atmospheric Sounder (CIRAS) a new project at NASA JPL designed to demonstrate key technologies for hyperspectral infrared measurements of atmospheric temperature and water vapor from space.