WASHINGTON - The National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA) needed a calibrated spectroradiometer to measure the spectral irradiance and reflectance of photosynthetic pigments in the field under natural sunlight conditions. They found their solution from Spectra Vista Corporation in Poughkeepsie, New York.
The reflectance data will be used to model the detectability of surface biosignatures on exoplanets. The instrument will also be used in the lab to measure the spectral irradiance of artificial light sources used to simulate light from different type of stars.
The spectral measurements will be used in exoplanet biosignature experiments, the data from which will provide measurement requirements for the upcoming Habitable Worlds Observatory (HWO).
Spectra Vista's spectroradiometer meets NASA's requirements to measure from 350-2500 nm with a minimum integration of one millisecond and a calibration accuracy of plus or minus five percent at 700 nm, plus or minus seven percent at 2200 nm, and has a wavelength reproducibility of 0.1 nm.
NASA notes that the new spectroradiometer will replace one that it purchased in the late 1980s, as it can no longer be supported or calibrated by the manufacturer, and it is experiencing failing battery packs.
NASA expects delivery prior to 24 January 2024. The primary point of contact for this contract is Tracy Bremer, who can be contacted via email at [email protected].
