AWE Project Achieves Milestone with First Light Images from Space
by Clarence Oxford
Los Angeles CA (SPX) Dec 11, 2023

NASA's Atmospheric Waves Experiment (AWE) has successfully obtained its initial images of the mesosphere, marking a major milestone for the project. Installed on the International Space Station (ISS) on November 18, AWE commenced operations shortly thereafter, with the first commands being transmitted to the instrument on November 20. The recent acquisition of these "first light" images is a crucial step, verifying that the instrument is functioning as intended and that the mission is proceeding as planned.

AWE's primary objective is to provide global-scale observations of atmospheric gravity waves (AGWs) in the mesopause region, which is located approximately 54 miles (87 kilometers) above Earth. This area of study is vital for understanding the dynamics of Earth's upper atmosphere. AGWs are influenced by weather events occurring on Earth's surface and are transported through the atmosphere, playing a key role in the overall atmospheric system.

The successful capture of these initial images by AWE is not just a technical accomplishment but also a gateway to a deeper understanding of the ionosphere-thermosphere-mesosphere system. This knowledge is essential for comprehending the broader implications of AGWs on space weather, a field that has garnered increasing attention due to its impact on satellite operations and communications.

The AWE mission is spearheaded by Ludger Scherliess of Utah State University in Logan. It falls under the management of the Explorers Program Office at NASA's Goddard Space Flight Center in Greenbelt, Maryland. The collaborative effort includes significant contributions from Utah State University's Space Dynamics Laboratory, which was responsible for building the AWE instrument and now operates the mission's operations center.

This development marks a significant stride in atmospheric science, particularly in our understanding of the interactions between Earth's weather systems and the upper atmosphere. As the AWE project progresses, the scientific community eagerly anticipates the analysis of these observations, which promises to shed light on the complex dynamics of AGWs and their consequential effects.

Related Links
Atmospheric Waves Experiment at NASA
Atmospheric Waves Experiment Organization
Earth Observation News - Suppiliers, Technology and Application