H.F. de Campos Velho, F.M. Ramos (2002): Inverse Problems in Space Science, IAC-2002: 52nd International Astronautical Congress, 10-19 October, Houston (Texas), USA (submitted).

Abstract: Solutions for inverse problems appearing in space applications and space technology are described. The inverse problem is formulated as non-linear optimization problem. In general some additional information must be added from our previous knowledge about the physical phenomenon. In general this information a priori means smoothness, in other words, regularized solutions are searched. The methodology is applied to geophysics (magneto-telluric inversion), meteorology (temperature retrieval from satellite data), and oceanography (inverse hydrological optics), as examples of space applications. The schemes is also employed for solving inverse problem emerging from technology: material science (faults in composite samples), and inverse design (space radiator). New problems and solutions are also addressed.