ИСТИНА

For the realization of measurements of the Earth night atmosphere glow and the development of using silicon photomultipliers (SiPMs) in open space, the Skobeltsyn Institute of Nuclear Physics of Lomonosov Moscow State University is developing a series of compact detectors "AURA" (Atmospheric Ultraviolet RAdiation). The main advantages of silicon devices are: small size (thickness of about 1 mm versus a few centimeters for vacuum PMTs), low supply voltage of several tens of volts (for vacuum devices, several kilovolts) and reliability. The compact size and convenience of operation make it possible to use vacuum detectors in nanosatellites (for example, CubeSats). Their design and assembly is faster, easier, and cheaper. This progressive approach makes the study of atmospheric phenomena from space more accessible. To date, SINP MSU is working with the second detector from the AURA series: AURA-2. The new version has a higher time resolution (10 ms) and wider field of view (22×90 degrees). In front of SiPMs a hood with light filters are placed. Hood limits the field of view, filters (broadband and interference) determine the measured wavelength band around molecular nitrogen spectral lines. Detector has a SiPM gain control circuit, which allows to conduct measurements in a wide range of intensities (from night atmosphere airglow to a direct sun light). In the work we present preflight tests and results of AURA operation on board the satellite.