Abstract

NASA is actively engaged in the development of space-based active remote sensing missions using lidar techniques. To develop reliable and robust laser based lidar systems, NASA began the Laser Risk Reduction Program (LRRP) in 2002. The LRRP is designed to advance laser performances as well as to mitigate associated risks in critical components such as pump diodes for remote sensing applications from space based platforms. The technical objective of LRRP is to develop high-energy, solid-state, conductively cooled and single longitudinal mode 1 micron and 2 micron lasers and appropriate wavelength conversion technologies suitable for four lidar techniques namely altimetry, Doppler, Differential Absorption Lidar (DIAL), and basic lidar backscattered signal strength profiling. These four techniques would enable six priority earth science measurements of surface and ice mapping, horizontal vector wind profiles, river currents, carbon dioxide (CO₂) profiles, ozone (O₃) profiles, and aerosols/clouds. The overall goal of LRRP is to advance laser technologies to the point that science mission proposals could be confident of acceptable risk upon selection.

© 2007 IEEE