Laser risk reduction technology program for NASA's Earth Science Enterprise

Abstract

The findings of an independent panel commissioned by NASA’s Earth Science Enterprise (ESE) to assess the current missions utilizing advanced solid-state lasers and the programmatic actions by the Enterprise to define how NASA Centers will cooperate on future lidar competitive opportunities together formulate a strategy for technology development of advanced solid-state laser systems. In this paper we will describe a program created to address risks in the development of laser transmitter technologies. This program grew out of concern that there are no lasers as active sources for space-based remote sensing that have been space qualified for long-term science measurements. Presently, the risks inherent in developing these technologies have been born by programs funded to produce scientific results. The intention of this program is to mitigate risks in certain technical areas so that other technology programs can further the maturation of the instruments prior to infusion into a science program. The program will invest in several critical areas: • Advancing transmitter technologies to enable science measurements (tropospheric ozone, water vapor, winds, altimetry) • Development and qualification of space-based laser diode arrays • Advancing nonlinear wavelength conversion technology for space-based lidars