NASA's Atmospheric Gravitational Wave Experiment (AWE) has successfully completed a critical space environment test. AWE is scheduled to be launched to the International Space Station (ISS) in November 2023. It will study atmospheric gravity waves in the Earth's atmosphere and help us better understand the connection between ground weather and space.
Burt Lamborn, AWE project manager at Utah State University's Space Dynamics Laboratory (SDL), said: "The AWE is a highly sensitive, precise scientific instrument designed to be installed on the International Space Station and operate in the harsh space environment. To ensure that the AWE can withstand the test of launch turbulence and operate as designed after entering space, SDL tested the instrument on the ground."
AWE’s environmental testing includes:
Electromagnetic interference/electromagnetic compatibility (EMI/EMC) testing to ensure that AWE does not generate or emit electromagnetic signals that may interfere with other critical equipment on the International Space Station.
The AWE is exposed to various high-level noise sources to ensure that any interference from the space station does not affect the AWE's observations.
Tests to verify robustness and reliability, electrostatic discharge and voltage spikes.
Vibration and strength verification testing is performed using a shaker table to simulate predicted conditions during launch.
Thermal vacuum testing to demonstrate the performance and operation of AWE instruments in a simulated flight environment.
Instrument calibration is performed in a vacuum chamber to simulate on-orbit environmental conditions.
Satellite communications enable banking, navigation, telephony, entertainment and many more applications, but they can be disrupted by the effects of atmospheric gravity waves and adverse space weather. Scientists hope the new knowledge gained from AWE will help them more accurately predict the impact of atmospheric gravity waves and space weather on communications, while also allowing mission planners and satellite operators to develop contingency plans.
Atmospheric gravity waves (often just called gravity waves) are oscillations in fluid media such as the Earth's atmosphere that are the result of gravity trying to restore balance. These waves can be visualized as the ripples that form on the surface of a pond when a stone is thrown into it. In the atmosphere, they are often produced by factors such as air currents over mountain ranges, convection from heating in the lower atmosphere, or air mass disturbances.
The basic principle of atmospheric gravity waves is that when an air mass is displaced vertically (up or down), buoyancy forces try to move it back to its original position. However, since motion is oscillatory in nature, the air mass overshoots and eventually becomes displaced again, resulting in wave-like motion. It is important to note that gravity waves should not be confused with gravitational waves.