Space-based global wind observations are a potential application of Doppler lidars. While the use of Doppler lidars to measure winds has existed for several decades, the availability of airborne systems is relatively recent. Ground based Doppler wind lidars (DWL) have provided much experience in interpreting return signals and validating performance models. However, space-based operations present a very different perspective on the atmosphere. For that reason, airborne lidars are critical in the development of signal processing algorithms and performance model validation for both future space-based as well as sub-orbital instruments. As a component of a program to develop a calibration/validation strategy for all space-based wind observing systems, an airborne coherent 2 micron DWL was flown early in 2002. The primary purpose of those flights was to investigate the surface returns from water. This paper summarizes those missions and offers several examples of the findings.
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