NASA’s 3D Laser Wind Profiler Poised to Revolutionize Weather Forecasting.

NASA is advancing weather forecasting capabilities with the Aerosol Wind Profiler (AWP), an innovative 3D Doppler wind lidar instrument designed to deliver precise atmospheric wind measurements. Since the fall of last year, researchers have flown AWP across the United States aboard aircraft, logging nearly 100 hours of data collection—including a significant flight through the outer bands of Hurricane Helene.

The mission behind AWP is to address the current scarcity of comprehensive wind data above Earth’s surface. Kris Bedka, principal investigator at NASA’s Langley Research Center, explained that wind measurements currently rely on sporadic data from commercial flights and limited weather balloon launches, with only about 1,300 global launch sites. Satellite-based estimates, derived from tracking clouds and water vapor, can fall short—especially in areas lacking visible cloud patterns.

AWP fills this observational gap by generating high-resolution 3D wind profiles. Mounted beneath NASA's Gulfstream III aircraft, the instrument emits 200 laser pulses per second, which scatter off atmospheric aerosols like dust, smoke, sea salt, and pollution. These interactions create wavelength shifts through the Doppler effect, which AWP uses to calculate wind speed and direction. By firing lasers in two perpendicular directions, the system captures detailed wind vectors at multiple altitudes simultaneously.

"This technology doesn’t just provide a snapshot—it delivers layered insights into wind behavior at different atmospheric heights," said Bedka.

AWP’s data is critical for improving the accuracy of weather models, particularly for severe weather systems that form and change rapidly. Recognizing this, the instrument was selected for the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration’s (NOAA) Joint Venture Program. This initiative supports emerging technologies that can enhance weather forecasting capabilities. NASA’s Weather Program also backed the effort, providing support to maximize value for both agencies.

In tandem with AWP, NASA deployed the High-Altitude Lidar Observatory (HALO) to measure water vapor, aerosols, and cloud properties. Alongside NOAA's dropsondes—which record temperature, humidity, and wind data—the package of instruments represents a next-generation airborne weather sensing system.

This trio of tools was used during a key mission into Hurricane Helene. "By measuring 3D wind profiles along the storm’s outer edge, we gained valuable insights that traditional tools might have missed," said Harshesh Patel, acting manager of NOAA’s Joint Venture Program. Patel emphasized the potential for space-based applications of AWP, aligning with NOAA’s goal of enhancing global forecasting accuracy.

Surprisingly, during a flight through what was expected to be a clear, cool air mass, AWP detected a dense layer of aerosols—providing excellent signals for measurement and showcasing the instrument’s sensitivity. Following the NOAA missions, the AWP-HALO team moved to California to participate in two major atmospheric studies, focusing on the planetary boundary layer that governs surface weather conditions.

Ultimately, AWP is demonstrating that compact, high-performance lidar systems could be integrated into future satellite missions—bringing better weather data and more reliable forecasts to communities worldwide.

Source:https://phys.org/news/2025-04-nasa-3d-laser-aims-air.html

This is non-financial/medical advice and made using AI so could be wrong.