Speaker
Description
The Changing-Atmosphere Infra-Red Tomography Explorer (CAIRT) is currently in Phase 0 as one of four candidates for ESA’s Earth Explorer 11. As a Fourier transform infrared limb imager, CAIRT will observe simultaneously from the middle troposphere to the lower thermosphere at high spectral resolution in 3D with unprecedented horizontal and vertical resolution. With this, CAIRT will provide critical information on the interaction of middle atmosphere circulation and composition, with a focus on (a) atmospheric gravity waves and mixing, (b) coupling with the upper atmosphere, solar variability and space weather and, (c) aerosols and pollutants in the upper troposphere and lower stratosphere. In this presentation we will give an overview of CAIRT’s science goals and the expected mission performance, based on latest results from Phase 0 studies.
