We propose to topic 2 to demonstrate a vehicle utilization of an onboard facility of an ultraviolet remote sensing payload system on the blue origin new sheppard reusable suborbital launch vehicle.…

The Johns Hopkins University was awarded a $380,000 grant for research on October 10, 2019, to demonstrate the integration and flight testing of an ultraviolet remote sensing payload system aboard Blue Origin's New Shepard reusable suborbital launch vehicle. The project, designated IRIS-UV (Integrated Remote Imaging System-Ultraviolet), involves mounting a ruggedized payload locker containing an ultraviolet spectrometer, gimbal, and electronics on the propulsion module's upper ring. The spectrometer, developed by Johns Hopkins' Applied Physics Laboratory, will collect spectral data of atmospheric brightness and transmission in the ultraviolet spectrum (200-400 nanometers) during ascent to 100 kilometers and descent to ground level, with the gimbal capable of rotating from zenith to approximately 15 degrees to avoid spacecraft fairing interference.

This effort supports the demonstration of commercial off-the-shelf (COTS) instrument utilization in space applications and will generate critical design and development information for future ultraviolet instrumentation. The award was issued by a civilian federal agency's Shared Services Center without set-aside designation, and work is scheduled for completion by September 30, 2026, at Johns Hopkins' Baltimore, Maryland location. The successful flight operation of this already vibration-tested system will validate the integration methodology and performance characteristics essential for advancing space-based remote sensing capabilities.

We propose to topic 2 to demonstrate a vehicle utilization of an onboard facility of an ultraviolet remote sensing payload system on the blue origin new sheppard reusable suborbital launch vehicle. This proposal is for integration, flight testing, and post-flight characterization of the system and external environment. The iris-UV: integrated remote imaging system-ultraviolet, is held inside a ruggedized blue origin payload locker, and consists of an APL provided ultraviolet spectrometer, gimbal, and electronics. IT will gather spectral data of the atmospheric brightness and transmission in the UV (200-400 NM) during ascent to 100KM and descent to ground. The spectrometer will be gimballed from zenith to ~ 15 DEG (to avoid the s/c fairing). Already tested for vibration, the successful operation of this instrument in flight will help demonstrate the ability to employ of COTS instruments in space. This is new information to inform the design and development of future UV instrumentation. This system will be mounted on the upper ring of the propulsion module (PM).