Open Path Fourier Transform Infrared (OP-FTIR) Spectrometry as a Multi-Analyte Sensor for Spacecraft Air

Open-path Fourier transform infrared (OP-FTIR) spectrometry was evaluated for potential application to the measurement of contaminants in spacecraft air environments. OP-FTIR provides simultaneous, real-time quantification and confirmation of identity for most contaminants on the current Spacecraft Maximum Allowable Concentration (SMAC) list. In addition, the open-path measurement configuration provides characterization of an area rather than at a point. The dynamic composition and distribution of air contaminants throughout spacecraft air systems is measured without the need for multi-point sampling. These characteristics of open path FTIR make it a valuable method for spacecraft air characterization.