NASAThe Atmospheric Wave Experiment (AWE) recently captured early images of the mesosphere from its perch on Earth. international space station (ISS). AWE was installed on the space station on November 18th, and the first command was sent to the equipment on November 20th. The recently taken first or “first light” images represent a milestone that confirms the equipment is working as designed and the mission is accomplished. It’s working as expected.
AWE provides global observations of atmospheric gravity waves (AGW) in the mesopause region 54 miles (87 kilometers) above Earth. If researchers can analyze the results of AWE observations, they will be able to study how AGW is formed by weather phenomena on Earth and transported through the Earth’s atmosphere. This will also help us understand the broader role of AGWs in the upper atmosphere, known as the ionosphere, thermosphere, and mesosphere, and their influence on space weather.
NASA’s Atmospheric Wave Experiment (AWE) represents a cutting-edge effort in space research focused on the study of atmospheric gravity waves. These waves play an important role in the dynamics of Earth’s atmosphere, especially in upper layers such as the mesosphere, ionosphere, and thermosphere. AWE operates from a unique vantage point aboard the International Space Station (ISS).
One of the primary objectives of AWE is to observe and analyze atmospheric gravity waves (AGW) in the mesointerface region approximately 54 miles (87 kilometers) above the Earth’s surface. By studying these waves, AWE aims to improve our understanding of how surface weather phenomena generate these waves and how they propagate and influence upper regions of the atmosphere. I am aiming to go. This study is essential for understanding the broader effects of AGW on the ionosphere, thermosphere, and mesosphere systems, especially the effects of space weather on satellite operations and communication systems.
AWE is led by Ludger Shelleys of Utah State University in Logan and managed by the Explorer Program Office at NASA’s Goddard Space Flight Center in Greenbelt, Maryland. Utah State University’s Space Dynamics Laboratory builds the AWE instrument and provides the mission operations center.