Orbital and cloud cover sampling analyses for space lidar missionsThe sampling capabilities of an orbital lidar mission are evaluated. Spatial and temporal sampling data from a lidar spacecraft orbit simulation are combined with global, statistical cloud cover data to yield a quantification of lidar measurement opportunities for both partly cloudy and mostly overcast viewing conditions. The optimum launch time (month and local hour) is determined to maximize lidar measurement opportunities for specified cloud cover conditions. Results indicate that the time of year selected for the lidar mission is very important in maximizing acceptable data return, whereas the effect of launch time of day on mission optimization is generally not as strong as the seasonal effect.
Document ID
19850037594
Acquisition Source
Legacy CDMS
Document Type
Conference Paper
Authors
Lawrence, G. F. (NASA Langley Research Center Aerospace Technologies Div., Hampton, VA, United States)
Robbins, J. L. (NASA Langley Research Center Hampton, VA, United States)
Gibson, G. G. (Kentron International, Inc. Aerospace Technologies Div., Hampton, VA, United States)