Atmosphere-Space Interaction Monitor (ASIM) is a project led by the European Space Agency

European Space Agency

The European Space Agency , established in 1975, is an intergovernmental organisation dedicated to the exploration of space, currently with 18 member states...

. It will place cameras and x-ray- and γ-detectors on the International Space Station

International Space Station

The International Space Station is a habitable, artificial satellite in low Earth orbit. The ISS follows the Salyut, Almaz, Cosmos, Skylab, and Mir space stations, as the 11th space station launched, not including the Genesis I and II prototypes...

, where it will observe the upper atmosphere, looking for sprites, jets and elves

Upper-atmospheric lightning

Upper-atmospheric lightning or upper-atmospheric discharge are terms sometimes used by researchers to refer to a family of short-lived electrical-breakdown phenomena that occur well above the altitudes of normal lightning and storm clouds. Upper-atmospheric lightning is believed to be electrically...

 in connection with thunderstorms. It is hoped that measurements of these phenomena from space will contribute to our understanding of the upper atmosphere.

ASIM is scheduled to be mounted on the Columbus External Payload Facility in 2014. Danish tech company Terma A/S

Terma A/S

Terma A/S is a Danish company that develops and markets high-tech solutions, systems, and products for civilian and military applications.From making thermometers to producing star trackers, Terma has evolved into a global supplier of high-tech products and technology to the defense and aerospace...

is running the project for the ESA.

External links

• Atmospheric monitoring of blue jets, sprites and elves ESA article
• A space station view on giant lightning ESA article