Computer Science – Sound
Scientific paper
Jan 2001
adsabs.harvard.edu/cgi-bin/nph-data_query?bibcode=2001iaop.work...44j&link_type=abstract
Forum on Innovative Approaches to Outer Planetary Exploration 2001-2020, p. 44
Computer Science
Sound
Remote Sensing, Doppler Radar, Radio Altimeters, Altimetry, Planetary Mapping, Space Exploration
Scientific paper
New concepts, which improve the design and performance of spaceborne radar altimeters for remote sensing of the Earth, can be applied to the mapping of extraterrestrial bodies. An inherent advantage of a radar altimeter is that it is capable of application where the atmosphere of the body being observed is opaque to micron-scale wavelengths. Furthermore, radar altimeters are typically pulse-limited, so the measurement area is determined by the intersection of the transmitted pulse with the surface. This limits the sensitivity of the altitude measurement to the spacecraft attitude knowledge. The recently developed and demonstrated delay/Doppler concept combines these advantages with a reduction in the size of the altimeter through more efficient use of the backscattered power and improvement in the along-track spatial resolution. The delay/Doppler altimeter was originally proposed because of its many advantages in Earth altimetry (open water, sea ice, continental ice sheets, etc.), but the basic concept has wide application, including subsurface sounding as well as altimetry. This sounding application is being considered for the search for subsurface water on Mars and Europa. Altimetry is also a primary data set for geophysical studies (e.g., measurements of planetary tides, rotation state/libration) which provide fundamental constraints on origins and evolution, as well as geological processes (e.g., volcanic, tectonic) that affect topography. This instrument orbiting Europa or Triton can provide key measurements for the understanding of crustal tidal effects, which have implications for geologic processes that may contribute to resurfacing. A delay/Doppler altimeter can distinguish between diffuses and specular reflecting surfaces and therefore between solid and liquid surfaces which can be useful in determining the presence of methane ponds on Titan. Additional information is contained in the original extended abstract.
Jensen Robert J.
Raney Keith R.
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