Microwave Radiometers from 0.6 to 22 GHz for Juno, A Polar Orbiter around Jupiter

• Main Authors: Pingree, P., Janssen, M., Oswald, J., Brown, S., Chen, J., Hurst, K., Kitiyakara, A., Maiwald, F., Smith, S.
• Format: Conference Proceeding
• Language: English
• Subjects: Atmosphere; Atmospheric measurements; Atmospheric modeling; Extraterrestrial measurements; Frequency measurement; Instruments; Jupiter; NASA; Radiometers; Space vehicles
• ISSN: 1095-323X; 2996-2358
• DOI: 10.1109/AERO.2008.4526403

A compact instrument called the MWR (microwave radiometer) is under development at JPL for Juno, the next NASA new frontiers mission, scheduled to launch in 2011. It's purpose is to measure the thermal emission from Jupiter's atmosphere at six selected frequencies from 0.6 to 22 GHz, operating in direct detection mode, in order to quantify the distributions and abundances of water and ammonia in Jupiter's atmosphere. The goal is to understand the previously unobserved dynamics of the sub-cloud atmosphere, and to discriminate among models for planetary formation in our solar system. as part of a deep space mission aboard a solar-powered spacecraft, MWR is designed to be compact, lightweight, and low power. The receivers and control electronics are protected by a radiation-shielding enclosure on the Juno spacecraft that also provides for a benign and stable operating temperature environment. All antennas and RF transmission lines outside the vault must withstand low temperatures and the harsh radiation environment surrounding Jupiter. This paper describes the concept of the MWR instrument and presents results of one breadboard receiver channel.