Spaceborne Radar for Cloud and Precipitation Measurements

Spaceborne radar for cloud and precipitation measurements S. L. Durden Jet Propulsion Laboratory, California Institute of Technology Abstract: Radar has been used to observe weather since weather targets were inadvertently observed by military radars since the 1940s. Since then, dedicated, ground-based and airborne weather radars have been used to provide information on various weather systems, with applications to meteorological research and to operational weather warnings and aviation. More recently, there have been several spaceborne weather radars that are dedicated to precipitation and cloud research. This presentation will touch on the history of radar observations of weather and then focus on spaceborne measurements. Along the way, we will provide some tutorial information on the design of these radars, which operate near nadir and at relatively high frequencies, generally different from ground-based weather radars. Starting from scattering from precipitation and the weather radar equation, the rationale for these choices will be discussed, along with other high-level design choices. Previous and ongoing spaceborne cloud and precipitation radars will be discussed. We will then present some future needs and possible concepts for addressing these needs. Co-sponsored by: Ramesh Singh Speaker(s): S. L. Durden, Virtual: https://events.vtools.ieee.org/m/342915