The Lidar-In-Space Technology Experiment(LITE) is being developed by Nasa Langley Research Center for a series of flights on the space shuttle. Using a laser,a telescope approximately 1 meter in diameter and a modular design, the system will be used to study clouds, trophospheric and stratospheric aerosols, characteristics of the planetary boundary layer, stratospheric density and temperature pertubations, and to some degree, surface topography. The greatly improved resolution of LITE with respect to passive sensors is expected to provide a new and unique data set on the global distribution and optical properties of clouds and aerosols , and therefore, their radiative and chemical effects. In addition, this data set will be useful in validating and improving retrieval algorithms already in use. Similarly, the ability to accurately locate the top of the planetary boundary layer will aid in global climate model(GCM) parameterizations of flux transport between the oceans and th! e atmosphere. Measurements of density pertubations in the middle stratosphere will provide a greatly improved glimpse of the global dynamics of this region compared to that given by current spaceborne sensors. The primary goals of LITE are to demonstrate the maturity of space-based lidar technology, to provide some unique measurements, and to provide a platform for the development of technology for future space-based systems. For more information, link to "http://asd-www.larc.nasa.gov/lite/ASDlite.html"
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