Adaptive control of tunable laser spectrometers for space flight applications

An architecture and process for the rapid prototyping and subsequent development of an adaptive tunable laser absorption spectrometer (TLS) are described. Adaptive in this context refers to the real-time autonomous response of software and electronics to the harsh and hard-to-predict conditions that can be encountered in space flight missions. This approach takes advantage of both software tools as well as highly integrated RTOS/FPGA hardware modules now commercially available. The current state of space-qualified tunable laser spectrometers is described, along with motivations for adaptability.