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The present lack of a lower atmosphere research satellite program for the 1980s has prompted consideration of the Space Shuttle/ Spacelab system as a means of flying sensor complements geared toward specific research problems, as well as continued instrument development. Three specific examples of possible science questions related to precipitation are discussed: 1) spatial structure of mesoscale cloud and precipitation systems, 2) lightning and storm development, and 3) cyclone intensification over oceanic regions. Examples of space sensors available to provide measurements needed in addressing these questions are also presented. Distinctive aspects of low-earth orbit experiments would be high resolution, multispectral sensing of atmospheric phenomena by complements of instruments, and more efficient sensor development through reflights of specific hardware packages.

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