NASA NTRS · 19910012712
The submillimeter wave astronomy satellite
Abstract
The Submillimeter Wave Astronomy Satellite (SWAS) selected for flight as part of the Small Explorer Program is described. SWAS consists of a 55 by 71 cm near optical quality off axis primary mirror, two heteorodyne radiometers with Schottky barrier diode mixers, and a single broadband (1.4 GHz) Acousto Optical Spectrometer (AOS). SWAS primary objective is to conduct a high spectral resolution survey of galactic molecular clouds in low lying transitions of water, molecular oxygen, atomic carbon and isotopic carbon monoxide. These species are crucial in gaining a better understanding of the chemistry and cooling of dense molecular clouds.
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Melnick, Gary J., Dalgarno, A., Erickson, N. R., Fazio, G. G., Goldsmith, P. F., Harwit, Martin, Hollenbach, D. J., Koch, D. G., Neufeld, David A., Schieder, R.. 1990-12-01. The submillimeter wave astronomy satellite. https://ntrs.nasa.gov/citations/19910012712
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