Definition and preliminary design of the LAWS (Laser Atmospheric Wind Sounder). Volume 1, phase 2: Executive summary. Final report
The objective of phase 1 of the LAWS study was to define and perform a preliminary design for the Laser Atmospheric Wind Sounder (LAWS) instrument. The definition phase consisted of identifying realistic concepts for LAWS and analyzing them in sufficient detail to be able to choose the most promising one for the LAWS application. System and subsystem configurations were then developed for the chosen concept. The concept and subsequent configurations were to be compatible with two prospective platforms--the Japanese Polar Orbiting Platform (JPOP) and as an attached payload on the Space Station Freedom. After a thorough and objective concept selection process, we chose a heterodyne detection Doppler lidar using a CO2 laser transmitter operating at 9.1 microns over a 2.1 micron solid state system. The choice of the CO2 approach over solid-state reflects the advanced state of development of CO2 lasers, its maturity in ground-based systems and the eased subsystem requirements associated with the longer wavelength. The CO2 lidar concept was then analyzed in detail to arrive at a configuration for the instrument and its major subsystems. Our approach throughout the configuration design was to take a systems perspective and trade requirements between subsystems, wherever possible, to arrive at configurations which made maximum use of existing, proven technology or relatively straightforward extensions to existing technology to reduce risk and cost. At the conclusion of Phase 1 we arrived at a configuration for LAWS which meets the performance requirements, yet which is less complex than previous designs of space-based wind sensors (e.g. Windsat), employs lightweight technologies to meet its weight goals (less than 800kg) and sufficiently flexible to offer various operational scenarios with power requirements from about 2 kW to 3 kW. The Phase 1 Final Report was released in March 1990. The 21-month Phase 2 began in October 1990.
- Research Organization:
- General Electric Co., Princeton, NJ (United States)
- OSTI ID:
- 6667463
- Report Number(s):
- N-93-16751; NASA-CR-184484; NAS-1.26:184484; CNN: NAS8-37589
- Country of Publication:
- United States
- Language:
- English
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Related Subjects
OPTICAL RADAR
DESIGN
WIND
CLIMATIC CHANGE
GLOBAL ASPECTS
REMOTE SENSING
ATMOSPHERIC CIRCULATION
CARBON DIOXIDE LASERS
CONFIGURATION
COST
DETECTION
DOPPLER EFFECT
PERFORMANCE
REDUCTION
SPACE
WEIGHT
CHEMICAL REACTIONS
GAS LASERS
LASERS
MEASURING INSTRUMENTS
RADAR
RANGE FINDERS
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