Status of the ACE-FTS instrument

The Atmospheric Chemistry Experiment (ACE) is the mission selected by the Canadian Space Agency for its next science satellite, SCISAT-1. ACE consists of a suite of instruments in which the primary element is an infrared Fourier Transform Spectrometer (FTS) coupled with an auxiliary 2-channel visible (525 nm) and near infrared imager (1020 nm). A secondary instrument, MAESTRO, provides spectrographic data from the near ultra-violet to the near infra-red, including the visible spectral range. In combination the instrument payload covers the spectral range from 0.25 to 13.3 micron. A comprehensive set of simultaneous measurements of trace gases, thin clouds, aerosols and temperature will be made by solar occultation from a satellite in low Earth orbit. The ACE mission will measure and analyze the chemical and dynamical processes that control the distribution of ozone in the upper troposphere and stratosphere. A high inclination (74°), low Earth orbit (650 km) allows coverage of tropical, mid-latitude and polar regions. This paper describes the detailed design of the ACE-FTS instrument. The latest status of the flight model is also presented.