Aerosol and cloud sensing with the lidar in-space technology experiment (LITE)

David M. Winker; Michael P. McCormick

doi:10.1117/12.195850

9 December 1994 Aerosol and cloud sensing with the lidar in-space technology experiment (LITE)

David M. Winker, Michael P. McCormick

Proceedings Volume 2310, Lidar Techniques for Remote Sensing; (1994) https://doi.org/10.1117/12.195850
Event: Satellite Remote Sensing, 1994, Rome, Italy

Abstract

The Lidar In-space Technology Experiment (LITE) is a multi-wavelength backscatter lidar developed by NASA Langley Research Center to fly on the Space Shuttle. The LITE instrument is built around a three-wavelength Nd:YAG laser and a 1-meter diameter telescope. The laser operates at 10 Hz and produces about 500 mJ per pulse at 1064 nm and 532 nm, and 150 mJ per pulse at 355 nm. The objective of the LITE program is to develop the engineering processes required for space lidar and to demonstrate applications of space-based lidar to remote sensing of the atmosphere. The LITE instrument was designed to study a wide range of cloud and aerosol phenomena. To this end, a comprehensive program of scientific investigations has been planned for the upcoming mission. Simulations of on-orbit performance show the instrument has sufficient sensitivity to detect even thin cirrus on a single-shot basis. Signal averaging provides the capability of measuring the height and structure of the planetary boundary layer, aerosols in the free troposphere, the stratospheric aerosol layer, and density profiles to an altitude of 40 km. The instrument has successfully completed a ground-test phase and is scheduled to fly on the Space Shuttle Discovery for a 9- day mission in September 1994.

Citation Download Citation

David M. Winker and Michael P. McCormick "Aerosol and cloud sensing with the lidar in-space technology experiment (LITE)", Proc. SPIE 2310, Lidar Techniques for Remote Sensing, (9 December 1994); https://doi.org/10.1117/12.195850

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