The natural background at Shuttle altitudes

In order to make astronomical observations from the Shuttle, the observer needs good information on the intensities and spectral characteristics of various sources. This paper presents a model spectrum for the natural airglow background. The spectrum is modeled over a wavelength range extending from the extreme ultraviolet to the near-infrared. This model is based on the present knowledge of the upper atmosphere. The effect of different viewing configurations is illustrated, together with day-to-night variations. The results synthesized here assume an ideal vehicle in the sense that no contaminant emissions are induced by the Shuttle and payload. These spectra therefore represent a baseline which can be used to locate unanticipated or nonambient features.