Author:
Willetts D V,Harris M R,Armandillo E,Norrie C,Schwarzenberger P M,Wallace S,Schäper W,Gollor M,Galletti E,Stucchi E
Abstract
The space-based Doppler windlidar concept is now well established. An orbiting coherent laser illuminates the atmosphere and backscattered radiation is coherently detected on the satellite. The Doppler shift and thus wind velocity are extracted, and the whole earth can be sampled with a horizontal resolution of order a few hundred kilometres and a daily update rate. The transmitter laser capability has been perceived to be a critical aspect of overall system performance, and as part of its Doppler windlidar programme, the European Space Agency is currently funding an advanced research programme on CO2 laser source development.