USRA to Host 16th Coherent Laser Radar Conference onboard The Queen Mary

When The Queen Mary first set sail in 1936, it was considered a marvel of technology, engineering, and elegance. Now, 75 years later, the renowned vessel (permanently docked in Long Beach, California) will serve as the venue for a conference to discuss the latest marvels and technological advances. The Universities Space Research Association will be hosting the 16th Coherent Laser Radar Conference (CLRC) onboard The Queen Mary from June 20, 2011, through June 24, 2011.

Since its inception in 1980, the biannual CLRC series has provided researchers worldwide with the opportunity to meet and exchange information on the current and future development of laser radar (or coherent lidar) technology and applications. Topics covered include theory, modeling, components, systems, instrumentation, measurements, calibration, data processing techniques, operational uses, and comparisons with other remote sensing technologies. This year's conference is expected to highlight such areas as component technology and instrumentation; systems (surface, airborne, and space-based); measurements and processing techniques; and emerging requirements for coherent laser radar applications in studies of atmospheric, ocean, surface and target properties.

The 2011 Conference Keynote Speaker is George Komar, the Associate Director of the NASA Earth Science Technology Office (ESTO). Oral presentations and poster sessions will be given on both invited and contributed papers. A theme banquet will also be held on June 23, 2011, for an additional fee. Interested conference attendees and presenters are encouraged to pre-register by April 1st.

Founded in 1969, USRA is an independent research corporation with competencies that span space, Earth, and life sciences related disciplines, which are closely aligned with the nation's science and national security agencies. As a non-profit corporation with 105 major research university members, USRA's scientific and technical staff collaborate with over 300 universities annually. This depth of reach into the research community provides a unique platform for advancing science and technology.