Photophoretic tracers for near-space remote sensing at 30-100 km altitudes
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NASA
July 21, 2026

Photophoretic tracers for near-space remote sensing at 30-100 km altitudes

Benjamin SchaferRarified Technologies, Inc. We propose a new approach to atmospheric sensing at 30-100 km altitudes using photophoretically levitating tracers. These lightweight structures harness sunlight to remain suspended for up to months at controlled altitudes and can be remotely tracked by satellite-based lidar or radar. Unlike natural aerosols, these tracers are designed to provide strong and […]