An array of vertically oriented multi-walled carbon nanotubes (VOMWCNT) obtained by chemical vapor deposition (CVD) on a silicon substrate without preliminary catalyst deposition has been comprehensively investigated. The synthesis was carried out for 30 min in the reactor of a carbon nanotube synthesis unit under conditions of decomposition of the reaction mixture (ferrocene in heptane) at a temperature of 800°C at a carrier gas flow rate of 200 mL/min. The structure and geometric characteristics of the array of carbon nanotubes were determined using scanning and transmission electron microscopy and Raman spectroscopy. The spectral coefficient of diffuse reflection (SDR) into the hemisphere in the wavelength range from 5.0 to 15.0 μm was determined. From the obtained experimental data, it was found that the emissivity (absorption coefficient) of an array of carbon nanotubes with a height of (230–250) μm is 0.98–0.99 in the spectral range from 5.0 to 13.7 μm and 0.975–0.995 in the range from 13.7 to 15.0 μm. Such an array of VOMWCNT can be used to develop an absolutely black body with a high absorption coefficient and small mass and size characteristics, which is used for calibrating infrared spectrometers, including on spacecraft.

The results of the commissioning of the IKFS-2 instrument and its subsequent operation onboard the Meteor-M no. 2 polar orbiting meteorological satellite are presented. Comparison of the IKFS-2 data with independent satellite measurements shows that its performance characteristics are in accordance with the design specification. It is therefore possible to realize the IKFS-2 mission objectives for obtaining data on the meteorological parameters and composition of the atmosphere.

A spaceborne Fourier-transform infrared (FTIR) spectrometer was designed for measuring the spectra of the outgoing Earth’s atmosphere radiation and serves for providing for the needs of online meteorology and climatology with regard to obtaining the following kinds of data: vertical profiles of temperature and humidity profiles in the troposphere and the lower stratosphere, the general and altitudinal ozone distribution, concentrations of small gaseous constituents, temperature of the underlying surface, etc. At present, works are underway at the Keldysh Research Centre for creating IKFS-series FTIR spectrometers for satellites in Sun-synchronous orbits: the IKFS-2 instrument for the Meteor-M spacecraft no. 2 of the Meteor-3M space complex (developed and supplied for testing together with the spacecraft) and an advanced IKFS-3 instrument for the Meteor-MP fourth-generation hydrometeorological and oceanographic space complex for Earth monitoring (at the developmental stage). The composition, functional diagram, and technical specifications of the FTIR spectrometers are presented.

Бортовой инфракрасный (ИК) Фурье-спектрометр предназначен для измерения спектров исходящего излучения атмосферы Земли и служит для обеспечения нужд оперативной метеорологии и климатологии в части получения следующих видов информации: вертикальные профили температуры и влажности в тропосфере и нижней стратосфере, общее и высотное распределение озона, концентрации малых газовых составляющих, температура подстилающей поверхности и др. В настоящее время в ГНЦ ФГУП “Центр Келдыша” широко развернуты работы по созданию аппаратуры серии ИКФС для спутников на солнечно-синхронных орбитах: прибор ИКФС-2 для космического аппарата “Метеор-М” № 2 космического комплекса “Метеор-3М” (разработан и поставлен для проведения испытаний в составе КА); перспективный прибор ИКФС-3 для гидрометеорологического и океанографического космического комплекса мониторинга Земли четвертого поколения “Метеор-МП” (в стадии разработки). В статье представлены состав, функциональная схема и технические характеристики ИК-Фурье-спектрометров.