EPJ Web of Conferences (Jan 2020)

ESA’s Lidar Missions Aeolus and EarthCARE

  • Kanitz Thomas,
  • Ciapponi Alessandra,
  • Mondello Alessia,
  • D’Ottavi Alessandro,
  • Mateo Ana Baselga,
  • Straume Anne-Grete,
  • Voland Christoph,
  • Bon Didier,
  • Checa Elena,
  • Alvarez Emilio,
  • Bellucci Ida,
  • Do Carmo Joao Pereira,
  • Brewster John,
  • Marshall Jon,
  • Schillinger Marc,
  • Hannington Mark,
  • Rennie Michael,
  • Reitebuch Oliver,
  • Lecrenier Olivier,
  • Bravetti Paolo,
  • Sacchieri Valentina,
  • De Sanctis Valeria,
  • Lefebvre Alain,
  • Parrinello Tommaso,
  • Wernham Denny

DOI
https://doi.org/10.1051/epjconf/202023701006
Journal volume & issue
Vol. 237
p. 01006

Abstract

Read online

ESAs Earth Explorer Aeolus was launched in August 2018. Aboard the first spaceborne wind lidar ALADIN (Atmospheric LAser Doppler INstrument) was switched on in early September 2018 and demonstrated the capability to provide atmospheric wind profiles globally from particle and molecular backscatter. In doing so, it will contribute to the improvement in numerical weather prediction (NWP) and the understanding of global dynamics. At the same, it is a major step for powerful and frequency stabilized ultraviolet (UV) lasers for space applications. In parallel, ESA and its partners continue the development of this technology by setting up further ground tests based on Aeolus, and preparing the next milestone with ATLID (ATmospheric LIDar) for the Earth Cloud, Aerosol and Radiation Explorer (EarthCARE) mission. ATLID is currently fully integrated and getting prepared for its on-ground testing.