PFS

abbreviationStandard termAviation

The Planetary Fourier Spectrometer is an infrared instrument used on spacecraft to analyze planetary atmospheres.

The Planetary Fourier Spectrometer is an optical payload flown on uncrewed missions to measure the infrared radiation absorbed and emitted by a planet's atmosphere. Scientists use this data to map temperature profiles and identify trace gases, dust, and ice particles in the air column.

Heard on the job

The telemetry from the PFS shows a localized spike in atmospheric methane.