Open AccessLidar on the Phoenix mission to Mars
Author(s) -
Whiteway James,
Daly Michael,
Carswell Allan,
Duck Thomas,
Dickinson Cameron,
Komguem Leonce,
Cook Clive
Publication year - 2008
Publication title -
journal of geophysical research: planets
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 1.67
H-Index - 298
eISSN - 2156-2202
pISSN - 0148-0227
DOI - 10.1029/2007je003002
Subject(s) - lidar , mars exploration program , phoenix , remote sensing , environmental science , mars landing , astrobiology , exploration of mars , meteorology , geology , physics , geography , metropolitan area , archaeology
A lidar system for atmospheric measurements will operate from the surface of Mars as part of the Phoenix mission. This will measure the height profile of backscattered laser light from airborne dust and clouds. These observations will be coordinated with solar radiation measurements and in situ sampling to study the climate and the water cycle. The design and testing of the lidar system are described, and measurements are presented that demonstrate the analysis methods and the performance characteristics.