Fluorescence Lidar from satellite: Concept and applications

We present a feasibility study for a satellite borne fluorescence Lidar. The instrument is based on technologies which are either already available, or in an advanced state of development. In particular, the laser transmitter is derived from the experience acquired in the development of the laser transmitter for the ADM-Aeolus ESA mission; the collection optics is based on recent studies on large aperture deployable mirrors (ESA projects ALC, Advanced Lidar Concept, and LATT, Large Aperture Telescope Technology). Several applications for Earth observation are presented and discussed, in particular related to vegetation fluorescence monitoring and oil pollution on the ocean surface, including polar caps. ©2012 by the American Institute of Aeronautics and Astronautics, Inc. All rights reserved.