Aerial transmissometer for EO atmospheric measurement

Abstract

This publication will depict ongoing efforts in development and ground based validation of an aerial transmissometer utilizing a ground control station composed of a collocated altazimuth mounted transmitter and receiver along with a gimbal mounted retroreflector operating on an Un-crewed Aerial System (UAS). The transmitter is composed of multiple super luminous LEDs of different wavelengths. The system measures bulk point-to-point transmission through the atmosphere and enables an investigation into atmospheric species due to wavelength dependent absorption. The measurements will be along dynamic propagation paths and enable the development of hemispherical ground truth datasets.