Global monitor: space sensor measures aerosol impact on climate.

• Author: Williams, Robert H.
• Position: TECHTALK: A TIP-SHEET ON THE LATEST GADGETS

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NASA will soon be receiving a space-based system that should help scientists better understand the impact of aerosols on climate change and global warming.

Under development by Raytheon Co. of El Segundo, Calif., the aerosol polarimetry sensor so far has successfully undergone integration, baseline performance characterization and vibration testing. Next up is an electro-magnetic and thermal vacuum exercise to determine its performance in space.

The sensor will be used in a three-year climate monitoring mission aboard the space agency's Glory...