Atmospheric Aerosol Characterization with the Dutch-Chinese FAST Formation Flying Mission

Paper number

IAC-08.B1.I.1

Author

Prof. Eberhard Gill, Delft University of Technology, The Netherlands

Coauthor

Mr. Daan Maessen, Delft University of Technology, The Netherlands

Coauthor

Mr. Erik Laan, TNO Science and Industry, The Netherlands

Coauthor

Dr. Stefan Kraft, Cosine Research BV, The Netherlands

Coauthor

Prof. Gangtie Zheng, Tsinghua University, China

Year

2008

Abstract

FAST (Formation for Atmospheric Science and Technology Demonstration) is a mission for the synoptic evaluation of local, regional and global aerosol data and altitude profiles of the cryosphere with cooperating micro-satellites flying in formation in 2011. It originates from a decision of the Tsinghua University, China, and the Delft University of Technology, The Netherlands, to jointly define, develop and operate a space mission which covers scientific objectives and technology demonstration alike. The complexity of the mission will require a concerted effort from national universities, knowledge and research institutes and industries in both countries.

An improved monitoring and prediction of the Earth's climate requires more and better in-situ measurements on a global scale. In particular, current uncertainties in climate forcings due to aerosols preclude meaningful climate model evaluations. The FAST mission will allow an unprecedented characterization of atmospheric aerosols and their direct and indirect forcings on the climate as well as a monitoring of the evolution of height profiles in the cryosphere. The mission will realize synergies between different data types from the scientific payloads on FAST for improved science return.

The FAST space segment will comprise one spacecraft (FAST-D), being developed in Delft while the second spacecraft (FAST-T) will be developed in Beijing. The space segment architecture will allow for a flexible adaptation of the relative geometry to maximize data return (formation flying) or resolve temporal atmospheric changes (train configuration) which implements a true sensor web in space. The open architecture offers other countries the possibility to add additional satellites to the formation to further increase spatial and temporal resolution or to perform synergetic observations. 

The scientific payload will comprise two miniaturized spectro-polarimeters and two altimeters. The spectro-polarimeters will be used for the detection and characterization of aerosols with one instrument on each spacecraft. Focus is given to black carbon and reflective aerosols. The formation architecture will improve the data output and temporal resolution of Earth observation data. To determine cryospheric height profiles, a laser altimeter will be flown on FAST-D and a radar altimeter on FAST-T. This opens up synergies for an enhanced science return in the ground processing and allows, in the case of the altimeters, for the unique opportunity to cross-calibrate and compare the performance of the two instruments. The radar and laser altimeters will also allow the characterization of indirect aerosol climate forcings which is considered a major scientific return of the mission.

Abstract document

IAC-08.B1.I.1.pdf

Manuscript document

IAC-08.B1.I.1.pdf (🔒 authorized access only).

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