NASA’s Atmospheric Waves Experiment (AWE) has successfully completed its critical tests of the space environment. AWE, which is planned for launch on the International Space Station, will study gravitational waves in the 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 down into Earth’s atmosphere to study how gravitational waves travel through the upper atmosphere.
The 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 can affect communications with satellites.
The AWE mission is focused on understanding gravitational waves in the Earth’s atmosphere at heights between 50 and 500 kilometers, which are called the ionosphere-thermosphere-mesosphere system.
Space weather in this region – especially the ionosphere – can significantly disrupt the space communication systems we rely on due to the high concentration of electrically charged particles. By studying atmospheric gravity waves, scientists understand how Earth’s weather affects the properties of the upper atmosphere.
“AWE is a highly sensitive and precise science instrument designed to be mounted on the International Space Station and operated in the harsh space environment,” said Burt Lamborn, AWE project manager at Utah State University’s Space Dynamics Laboratory (SDL), where the tests were conducted. performed “To ensure that AWE survives launch turbulence and performs as designed once in space, SDL has taken its steps on the ground.”
AWE’s ability to produce data:
The AWE instrument has undergone electromagnetic interference/electromagnetic compatibility testing to ensure that it does not produce or emit electromagnetic signals that could interfere with other equipment aboard the space station, and to verify that interference from the space station will not impair the AWE’s ability to produce data.
The AWE was also subjected to a shake table vibration test that simulated the expected launch vibrations that the AWE would experience. During thermal vacuum testing, the AWE experienced a simulated flight environment, including cycling between hot and cold temperature extremes. Engineers performed a complete system calibration to verify that the instrument meets mission requirements and demonstrate its performance and limitations under operational conditions.
AWE is led by Michael Taylor at Utah State University in Logan and is managed by the Explorers Program Office at NASA’s Goddard Space Flight Center in Greenbelt, Maryland. Utah State University’s Space Dynamics Laboratory is building the AWE instrument and will provide the mission’s operations center.
