The detection of lightning from geostationary orbit

Consideration is given to the development of the Lightning Mapper Sensor (LMS), a space sensor capable of mapping intracloud and cloud-to-ground lightning discharges from geostationary orbit during day and night. The LMS is expected to have a spatial resolution of 10 km and a detection efficiency of 90 percent. The LMS combines modern solid state mosaic focal planes with extensive on-board signal processing to make it possible to detect weak background-contaminated signals. The LMS is planned to have a 10.5 degree field of view covering all of the continental U.S. The characteristics and design of the LMS are described, noting the possible applications of the sensor.