The Ultraviolet and Visible Imaging and Spectrographic Imaging experim
ent consists of five spectrographic imagers and four imagers. These ni
ne sensors provide spectrographic and imaging capabilities from 110 to
900 nm. The spectrographic imagers share an off-axis design in which
selectable slits alternate fields of view (1.00-degrees x 0.10-degrees
or 1.00-degrees x 0.05-degrees) and spectral resolutions between 0.5
and 4 nm. Image planes of the spectrographic imager have a programmabl
e spectral dimension with 68, 136, or 272 pixels across each individua
l spectral band, and a programmable spatial dimension with 5, 10, 20,
or 40 pixels across the 1-degrees slit length. A scan mirror sweeps th
e slit through a second spatial dimension to generate a 1-degrees x 1-
degrees spectrographic image once every 5, 10, or 20 s, depending on t
he scan rate. The four imagers provide narrow-field (1.28-degrees x 1.
59-degrees) and wide-field (10.5-degrees x 13.1-degrees) viewing. Each
imager has a six-position filter wheal that selects various spectral
regimes and neutral densities. The nine sensors utilize intensified CC
D detectors that have an in intrascene dynamic range of approximately
10(3) and an interscene dynamic range of approximately 10(5); neutral-
density filters provide an additional dynamic range of approximately 1
0(2-3). The detector uses an automatic gain control that permits the s
ensors to adjust to scenes of varying intensity. The sensors have comm
on boresights and can operate separately, simultaneously, or synchrono
usly. To be launched aboard the Midcourse Space Experiment spacecraft
in the mid-1990's, the ultraviolet and visible imaging and spectrograp
hic imaging instrument will investigate a multitude of celestial, atmo
spheric, and point sources during its planned 4-yr life.