Lidar Laser Development and PBL Detection Techniques
Project Description
Lidar observations from space provide crucial information on vertical and horizontal distributions of clouds and aerosols that greatly improve our understanding of the climate system. GSFC has a SmallSat elastic backscatter lidar concept designed to measure vertical profiles of aerosols and clouds. For this funded effort, we will perform laser testing and improve the laser-telescope alignment to further advance GSFC's SmallSat lidar concept. Finally, we will implement existing machine learning (ML) techniques to denoise daytime lidar scenes and develop algorithms needed to translate better SNR into improved data products.
The overarching goals of this project are to (1) advance GSFC’s SmallSat atmospheric lidar concepts and algorithms for consideration by the Aerosols and Cloud, Convection, and Precipitation (ACCP) and Planetary Boundary Layer (PBL) Earth Science Decadal Survey missions and (2) optimize GSFC’s existing airborne wind lidar concept for aerosol and cloud applications.
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Anticipated Benefits
The work proposed here will advance the TRL of our SmallSat elastic backscatter concept. Additionally, this proposed effort will yield improved planetary boundary layer (PBL) detection, which is expected to be documented as part of the final Decadal Survey PBL study plan. Finally, it is anticipated that modifications to the existing airborne wind lidar will yield new airborne field campaign opportunities that focus on aerosols, clouds, and their interaction.
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Primary U.S. Work Locations and Key Partners
| Organizations Performing Work | Role | Type | Location |
|---|---|---|---|
Goddard Space Flight Center
(GSFC)
|
Lead Organization | NASA Center | Greenbelt, Maryland |
Primary U.S. Work Locations
-
Maryland
