Retrieval of aerosol properties by using Low Earth Orbit

In this paper the use of Periodic Multi-Sun-Synchronous Orbits is proposed for the study of temporal evolution of the aerosols. This typology of orbit allows measurements to be repeated over the same zone at different local times and therefore results particularly advantageous in determining the trend of time-varying phenomena. The synoptic use of satellite real data and numerical simulations examining the behaviour related to scattering phenomena allows the reconstruction of the temporal evolution of both content and size of the aerosols. Due to the absence of real data related to satellites in Periodic Multi-Sun-Synchronous Orbits, images of satellites coming from the Geostationary Earth Orbit are considered. However, the use of sensors installed on satellites located on Periodic Multi-Sun-Synchronous Orbits would allow a strong saving in the mission costs and a more accurate evaluation of the phenomenon in consideration.