Abstract An essential physical quantity for the understanding of planetary systems is dynamics; that is, atmospheric winds. Relatively few wind measurement missions have been conducted in past decades, but there is a current renewed interest. This manuscript is concerned with optical remote sensing methods, but in-situ approaches, such as mass spectrometers on satellites are also briefly included. The optical methods are based on Doppler shifts of atmospheric emission or absorption features. This survey considers three classes of optical spectroscopic systems, the Fabry–Perot Spectrometer (FPS), the Doppler Michelson Interferometer (DMI) and the Spatial Heterodyne Spectrometer (SHS). The FPS is a quadratic system, in which the change of wavelength corresponding to a change of off-axis angle inside the instrument goes as the square of the angle. The DMI is a fourth-order system, allowing higher values of solid angle of acceptance and the same is true for the SHS. Approaches additional to the optical methods, mass spectrometers, sub-millimetre wave radiometry, gas cell absorption technology and lidar are briefly described. Examples of results from past missions are presented and possible directions for future missions described.

    Highlights Wind measurements are an essential requirement for understanding atmospheric dynamics. This paper reviews the optical remote sensing techniques that have been applied for this. It presents the spatial heterodyne spectroscopy method, currently being implemented. The sub-millimetre wave method is also described. The lidar method as implemented in Aeolus, to be launched in 2015 is briefly described.


    Access

    Check access

    Check availability in my library

    Order at Subito €


    Export, share and cite



    Title :

    Development of wind measurement systems for future space missions


    Contributors:

    Published in:

    Acta Astronautica ; 115 ; 206-217


    Publication date :

    2015-05-08


    Size :

    12 pages




    Type of media :

    Article (Journal)


    Type of material :

    Electronic Resource


    Language :

    English





    ECLSS development for future space missions

    WIELAND, PAUL / HUMPHRIES, WILLIAM | AIAA | 1990


    Active Thermal Control Systems for Future Space Missions

    Hurlbert, K. M. / University of New Mexico; School of Engineering; Institute for Space and Nuclear Power Studies | British Library Conference Proceedings | 1997


    Future interplanetary unmanned space missions

    Hunter II, M.W. / Moll, R.L. | Engineering Index Backfile | 1967


    Prospects for Future Solar-Wind Missions

    Bochsler, P. / Moebius, E. | British Library Online Contents | 1993