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Coherent launch-site atmospheric wind sounder - Theory and experimentThe coherent launch-site atmospheric wind sounder (CLAWS) is a lidar atmospheric wind sensor designed to measure the winds above space launch facilities to an altitude of 20 km. In our development studies, lidar sensor requirements are defined, a system to meet those requirements is defined and built, and the concept is evaluated, with recommendations for the most feasible and cost-effective lidar system for use as an input to a guidance and control system for missile or spacecraft launches. The ability of CLAWS to meet NASA goals for increased safety and launch/mission flexibility is evaluated in a field test program at Kennedy Space Center (KSC) in which we investigate maximum detection range, refractive turbulence, and aerosol backscattering efficiency. The Nd:YAG coherent lidar operating at 1.06 micron with 1-J energy per pulse is able to make real-time measurements of the 3D wind field at KSC to an altitude of 26 km, in good agreement with our performance simulations. It also shows the height and thickness of the volcanic layer caused by the volcanic eruption of Mount Pinatubo in the Philippines.
Document ID
19930070909
Acquisition Source
Legacy CDMS
Document Type
Reprint (Version printed in journal)
Authors
Hawley, James G.
(NASA Marshall Space Flight Center Huntsville, AL, United States)
Targ, Russell
(Lockheed Missiles & Space Co., Inc. Palo Alto, CA, United States)
Henderson, Sammy W.
(NASA Marshall Space Flight Center Huntsville, AL, United States)
Hale, Charley P.
(Coherent Technologies, Inc. Boulder, CO, United States)
Kavaya, Michael J.
(NASA Marshall Space Flight Center Huntsville, AL, United States)
Moerder, Daniel
(NASA Langley Research Center Hampton, VA, United States)
Date Acquired
August 16, 2013
Publication Date
August 20, 1993
Publication Information
Publication: Applied Optics
Volume: 32
Issue: 24
ISSN: 0003-6935
Subject Category
Ground Support Systems And Facilities (Space)
Accession Number
93A54906
Funding Number(s)
CONTRACT_GRANT: NAS1-18229
Distribution Limits
Public
Copyright
Other

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