HR: 0800h
AN: A21B-0859    [Abstracts]
TI: The Molniya Orbit Imager: A multi-purpose observatory for multitemporal imaging of the high-latitude regions
AU: * Riishojgaard, L P
EM: riishojgaard@gmao.gsfc.nasa.gov
AF: NASA/GSFC GEST Ctr, Code 610.1, Greenbelt, MD 20771
AB: One of the most important shortcomings of the imagers flying in geostationary orbit (e.g. GOES) is the lack of global coverage. Due to the poor viewing geometry, no useful data are obtained poleward of 55-60 degrees of latitude. This leaves a serious and well-recognized shortage of observations and data products based on multitemporal imaging data. One of the most well-known examples of this is the lack of high-latitude satellite winds highlighted by the successful application of the experimental winds product from NASA's MODIS sensors. The so-called Molniya orbit - a highly elliptical orbit in an inertially fixed plane with a 63.4 degree inclination provides a very attractive vantage point for high-temporal resolution imaging of those regions that cannot be seen from geostationary orbit. The orbital elements are chosen such that the orbit is stable with two fixed alternating apogee locations over the high northern latitudes. Due to the eccentricity of the orbit, the satellite will spend about two thirds of the time near its apogee, and during this time continuous imaging of the middle and high northern latitudes can be provided at high horizontal and temporal resolution. A mission proposal for a GOES-like imaging mission in Molniya orbit is currently under development at the Goddard Space Flight Center. The main mission goals are to demonstrate the feasibility of extending geostationary-type imaging and derived products - satellite winds in particular - to the entire globe via a small constellation of Molniya orbiting satellites. The mission concept will be presented and some key applications will be discussed.
DE: 0750 Sea ice (4540)
DE: 3305 Climate change and variability (1616, 1635, 3309, 4215, 4513)
DE: 3360 Remote sensing
DE: 3364 Synoptic-scale meteorology
DE: 8419 Volcano monitoring (7280)
SC: Atmospheric Sciences [A]
MN: Fall Meeting 2005