Abstract

A new ionospheric measurement concept using a bistatic lidar is described for the Tethered Satellite System (TSS) and the Space Shuttle as first suggested by McComas and Spence.¹ This technique will utilize low power lasers in the Shuttle bay. Lightweight photometers with small electrical consumption will be placed on the sub-satellite to be deployed on a tether towards the earth. Ranges will be from 20 to 100 kilometers from the Shuttle with a minimum sustainable altitude of approximately 130 km. The long duration of this mission offers unique opportunities for a global mapping of trace species in the 100-150 km altitude region. This technique offers sensitivities not currently available using ground-based or space-based instrumentation and provides opportunities for long-term monitoring at altitudes not accessible to non-tethered satellites. The two main lidar components are the following:

© 1985 Optical Society of America