Title: The Portable Remote Imaging Spectrometer (PRISM): High altitude platform installation
Presenting Author: Pantazis Mouroulis
Organization: Jet Propulsion Laboratory
Co-Author(s): Byron Van Gorp, Robert O. Green Jet Propulsion Laboratory; Ian McCubbin, Desert Research Institute, University of Nevada; Heidi Dierssen Department of Ocean Sciences, University of Connecticut

Abstract:
The Portable Remote Imaging Spectrometer is a sensor designed for the coastal ocean that provides high uniformity, high signal to noise ratio, and low polarization sensitivity. It has been designed to permit low altitude flights for sub-meter spatial resolution from a Twin Otter or similar aircraft platform. PRISM has flown three science campaigns to date, all on the Twin Otter, from 1kft to 20kft altitude. To achieve broad area coverage, it is required to fly PRISM on high-altitude platforms. Work has started on integrating PRISM on the ER-2 aircraft, capable of 60-70kft altitude, which will provide ~10 km swath. In this talk we review some past PRISM results and address the challenges of maintaining PRISM data quality and operational reliability in a pressurized aircraft and in the absence of a dedicated operator. The ER-2 environment also presents specific challenges regarding the use of commercial off-the-shelf electronics that must be addressed. A window with a special anti-reflection coating will be produced. Instrument thermal stability in the new environment will also be addressed. With these modifications, PRISM will be ready to more fully serve the ocean science community by being capable of long duration flights, covering wide areas, and flying at altitudes that more closely simulate orbiting sensors.