Lidar temperature profiling: Performance simulations of Masons method

Several methods of using lasers to measure atmospheric temperature profiles were described. Mason's suggestion was analyzed here to assess its capabilities for various lidar configurations. Temperatures were inferred from a measure of the Boltzmann distribution of rotational states in one of the vibrational bands of O2. Differential absorption was measured using three tunable, narrowband pulsed lasers. The outputs of two were tuned to wavelengths at the centers of absorption lines at either end of a particular branch in the band. The third wave-length was in a region of no absorption; its lidar return measured only the atmospheric backscatter, and therefore allowed calculations of the absorption coefficients at the other two wavelengths as a function of altitude. From the ratio of the two line absorption coefficients plus a priori knowledge of the line parameters, the temperature-altitude profile were calculated

Environmental Measurements Session summaries

Emphasis was placed on data from payloads flown on the subject flights including results from the Induced Environment Contamination monitor (IECM). Brief summaries of the vibroacoustics, loads, electromagnetic and thermal aspects of the environment, as derived from Shuttle system measurements, were presented primarily to indicate where the environment was different than observed and, therefore, where specification changes may be forthcoming. In addition, brief summaries of two somewhat unexpected effects, the vehicle glow and interaction between the low Earth environment and Shuttle payload by materials were presented as an aid in interpreting other environmental data. Papers for each payload/experiment involved in Shuttle flights were presented essentially in flight related chronological order. A significant portion of time was allocated for presentation of IECM data since this payload was flown on STS-2, STS-3, and STS-4 and, therefore, represents the largest data base relative to the contamination environment. Summaries of papers are presented

Report of the infrared, ultraviolet and space plasma panels

The status of the payload bay and the needs of infrared, ultraviolet and space plasma experiments were discussed. Those measurements important in each area were reviewed. Issues of concern and how these environmental conditions might impact experiments were considered. Several common issues were revealed, and recommendations were made

The Shuttle Environment Workshop, executive summary and workshop procedures

One of the main experimental monitors used to determine the environment in the payload bay was the Induced Environment Contamination Monitor. This package of instruments has made environmental measurements during STS flights with a high degree of success. This has shown that the shuttle environment is relatively free of contaminants, except for special instances of increased abundance of methane, water vapor and particulates. Results of these measurements are rapidly becoming more available. In establishing the Shuttle Environment Workshop, the findings were shared with scientific experimenters, users and other individuals who need to know what the Shuttle is like and what experimenters may expect in the payload bay. The Workshop was centered around results obtained from the environmental measurements made on the Shuttle. The program agenda for the workshop is given. The procedures and flow of communications for the workshop are indicated

Future outlook and comments

The events of the workshop panel sessions are summarized and a synopsis of the future of the shuttle and the shuttle environment is given. Comments and projections in a number of areas addressed include: environmental measurements, contamination effects, orbiter constraints on deployable payloads, documentation and environmental information, ultraviolet experiments, infrared experiments, plasma experiments, and shuttle lidar

The Shuttle Environment Workshop

Results of shuttle environmental measurement programs were presented. The implications for plasma, infrared and ultraviolet experiments were discussed. The prelaunch environmental conditions, results of key environmental measurements made during the flights of STS 1, 2, 3, 4, and postlanding environmental conditions were covered

Water vapor lidar

The feasibility was studied of measuring atmospheric water vapor by means of a tunable lidar operated from the space shuttle. The specific method evaluated was differential absorption, a two-color method in which the atmospheric path of interest is traversed by two laser pulses. Results are reported

Atomic spectroscopy with the shock tube

Spectroscopy of light atoms and ions and transition probability determinations using gas-driven shock tub