DEVOTE UC-12 Aircraft HSRL Lidar Data for Satellite Validation

The DEVOTE project conducted eleven science flights in September and October 2011 to collect aerosol and cloud measurements. NASA scientists used High Spectral Resolution Lidar (HSRL) on a UC-12 aircraft to validate and improve retrieval algorithms for the CALIPSO and ACE satellite missions. Data collection is complete.

Use Cases

• Validate satellite aerosol retrieval algorithms based on HSRL backscatter and extinction measurements
• Improve cloud microphysical property models based on coordinated airborne lidar and ground network data
• Train early career scientists in mission life cycles based on the project's HOPE initiative focus
• Prepare for future satellite missions like ACE based on the airborne sensor data collected

Strengths

• Data collection is complete for the September-October 2011 campaign
• Coordinated with eleven science flights over AERONET ground sites and CALIPSO satellite overpasses
• Part of a NASA-funded project with a dual focus on scientific validation and hands-on training

Limitations

• Column-level documentation is absent; field semantics must be inferred after download
• Row count is unknown, which may limit suitability assessment

Provenance

Source

National Aeronautics and Space Administration

Collection Method

Remotely sensed data collected by High Spectral Resolution Lidar (HSRL) onboard a UC-12 aircraft.

Time Range

September and October 2011

Freshness

Last updated 2026-03-13 03:22:50.377030; freshness should be verified

Geography

Flights based at NASA Langley Research Center, coordinated with satellite overpasses and AERONET ground network sites.