Laser Remote Sensors for NASA’s Future Earth and Space Science Missions

Upendra N Singh

doi:10.1051/epjconf/202023701011

Abstract

Active optical (Laser/Lidar) measurement techniques are critical for the future National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA) Earth, Planetary Science, Exploration, and Aeronautics measurements. The latest science decadal surveys recommend a number of missions requiring active optical systems to meet the science measurement objectives and the aeronautics community continues to use Laser/Lidar technologies to meet the aeronautics measurement objectives. This presentation will provide an overview of NASA efforts in developing and maturing state-of-the-art advanced solid-state flight laser/lidar systems for airborne and space-borne remote sensing measurements. The presentation will also provide details of a strategic approach for active optical technologies and techniques to meet the NASA’s future Earth and Space Science measurements/missions needs and requirements for space-based applications.

Highlights

National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA)’s Strategic Plan calls for NASA “to improve prediction of climate, weather, and natural hazards,” and to provide services to the Nation including “weather forecasting; climate prediction; natural hazard assessment, prediction, and response; and environmental management, including air quality forecasting and land use assessment.” These assignments will require the use of Light Detection And Ranging remote sensing systems
NASA is working to advance radar, laser, and light detection and ranging technologies to enable monitoring of such key Earth system parameters as land surface, oceans, ice sheet topography, and global tropospheric winds that could lead to advances in weather and severe storm prediction
These concerns led to NASA commissioning an Earth Science Independent Laser Review Panel during the early part of 2000

Summary

OVERVIEW

NASA’s Strategic Plan calls for NASA “to improve prediction of climate, weather, and natural hazards,” and to provide services to the Nation including “weather forecasting; climate prediction; natural hazard assessment, prediction, and response; and environmental management, including air quality forecasting and land use assessment.” These assignments will require the use of Light Detection And Ranging (lidar) (or laser radar) remote sensing systems. NASA’s Strategic Plan calls for NASA “to improve prediction of climate, weather, and natural hazards,” and to provide services to the Nation including “weather forecasting; climate prediction; natural hazard assessment, prediction, and response; and environmental management, including air quality forecasting and land use assessment.” These assignments will require the use of Light Detection And Ranging (lidar) (or laser radar) remote sensing systems. Through the Panel report, it was clear that development teams needed to mature laser and lidar technologies before the approval of flight projects For this reason, NASA approved the Laser Risk Reduction Program (LRRP), which began in 2002, had enjoyed many successes, and ended during 2010 [2,3]

RATIONALE FOR ACTIVE OPTICAL SENSING

KEY MEASUREMENTS ENABLED

ACTIVE OPTICAL CAPABILITY ASSESSMENT AND STRATEGY

PRIORITY ACTIVE OPTICAL BASED MEASUREMENT AREAS

CONCLUSIONS