Evaluation of detector Mini-EUSO to study Ultra High-Energy Cosmic Rays and Ultra Violet light emissions observing from the International Space Station

Sammanfattning: Under the name EUSO, or Extreme Universe Space Observatory, are multiple instruments where some are currently under design or construction and others have concluded their mission. The main goal they have in common is to detect and analyse cosmic rays with very high energies by using the Earth's atmosphere as a detector. One instrument is called Mini-EUSO, will be placed on the international space station during 2019, and its engineering model is currently being used to collect data and test the function of different components. The engineering model differ from the full scale instrument, and it is also possible to use it for other purposes as well. In this thesis, some of the collected data is used to analyse and compare the engineering models specification to the full Mini-EUSO instrument, with focus on field of view, inert areas on the sensor and its general function. Objects, such as stars, meteors and satellites were also detected, and used in the tests. In addition a short test regarding the possibility to use the instrument to detect plastic residing in the ocean is made, by utilizing fluorescent properties of the plastics. The thesis came to the conclusion that some adjustments needed to be made on the engineering model, but also that the specifications of it was within expected ranges. Several of the objects found can also be used to improve detection algorithms. In addition, the preliminary tests regarding plastic detection in the ocean, have positive results.