Coherent launch-site atmospheric wind sounder: theory and experiment

Area of Science:

• Atmospheric science
• Remote sensing
• Lidar technology

Background:

• Accurate atmospheric wind data is critical for safe and flexible space launches.
• Existing methods may have limitations in range and real-time data acquisition.
• NASA aims to improve launch safety and mission flexibility through advanced sensing technologies.

Purpose of the Study:

• To define, build, and evaluate the Coherent Launch-site Atmospheric Wind Sounder (CLAWS) lidar system.
• To assess CLAWS's feasibility and cost-effectiveness for space launch guidance and control.
• To evaluate CLAWS's performance against NASA's goals for launch safety and flexibility.

Main Methods:

• Development of lidar sensor requirements and system design.
• Field testing of the CLAWS system at Kennedy Space Center (KSC).
• Investigation of maximum detection range, refractive turbulence, and aerosol backscattering efficiency.

Main Results:

• The Nd:YAG coherent lidar system achieved real-time 3D wind field measurements up to 26 km at KSC.
• Performance simulations were in good agreement with field test results.
• The system detected the volcanic layer from the Mount Pinatubo eruption, indicating its capability to identify atmospheric phenomena.

Conclusions:

• The CLAWS system is a feasible and cost-effective lidar solution for space launch applications.
• CLAWS meets NASA's goals for enhanced launch safety and mission flexibility.
• The system demonstrates robust performance in measuring atmospheric winds and detecting significant atmospheric layers.