Designing infrared observations of Titan's atmosphere with Cassini CIRS

摘要

In this paper we describe the technical implementation of infrared observations of Titan using the Cassini Composite Infrared Spectrometer (CIRS). Due to the distributed operations model of Cassini, instrument teams such as CIRS are responsible for spacecraft pointing during their own observations. We describe the principal factors driving and constraining observation design, and then provide details of the eight standard observation types resulting, followed by a discussion of several later `evolved' types. We then show some sample science results, and finally conclude with a mention of continuing challenges to CIRS Titan observation design.