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NASA's New Laser Risk Reduction Program For Future Space Lidar MissionsNASA has been performing ground, airborne, and space-based scientific measurements since it was formed in 1958. Initial ground and airborne measurements were made with in situ instruments. By necessity, initial earth observation space-based missions were accomplished with passive remote sensing. Active microwave radar was added to the sensor repertoire in the late 1970s. A few key measurements important to NASA remain unaccomplished, however, despite the passive and radar successes. These critical measurements include space-based altimetry; and high spatial resolution profiling of aerosol properties, wind velocity, clouds, and molecular concentrations. Fortunately, a new technology, active optical radar or laser radar or lidar, has matured to the point that the last decade has seen a growing consideration of lidar for space missions. Part of the surge in consideration of lidar has been the tremendous progress in solid-state lasers fueled by advances in crystal growth quality and pump laser diode technology.
Document ID
20040085705
Acquisition Source
Langley Research Center
Document Type
Other - Technical Report
Authors
Michael J. Kavaya
(Langley Research Center Hampton, Virginia, United States)
Upendra N. Singh
(Langley Research Center Hampton, Virginia, United States)
William S. Heaps
(Goddard Space Flight Center Greenbelt, Maryland, United States)
Tony Cazeau
(Goddard Space Flight Center Greenbelt, Maryland, United States)
Date Acquired
August 21, 2013
Publication Date
January 1, 2002
Subject Category
Lasers And Masers
Distribution Limits
Public
Copyright
Work of the US Gov. Public Use Permitted.
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