Earth Science Observations using Signals-of-Opportunity Technology
Abstract
The signals-of-opportunity (SoOp) concept is to take powerful satellite transmissions in microwave frequencies allocated for space-to-Earth communications and navigation and reutilize them for the purpose of remotely sensing Earth parameters. SoOp enables use of microwave remote sensing frequencies outside the limited number of narrow, protected bands. And because this technique is passive, it requires low mass and power and enables constellation which can be used to improve temporal coverage. Additionally, the geometry used by SoOp is bistatic in forward direction, which views Earth differently from traditional radars and radiometers. The increase in temporal coverage enables new science and applications. A powerful example of the science returns achievable using SoOp is currently being demonstrated on orbit by the NASA's CvGNSS mission, which measures wind strengths at the sea surface using reflected Global Positioning System (GPS) signals. Over the past decade we have seen a growing number of communication and navigation signals coming into existence spanning the range of frequencies from VHF to K Band, which could be used to measure different parameters since different wavelengths are better suited to each of earth science measurements. A list of such earth science parameters would include: Soil Moisture; Sea Surface Salinity; Sea Surface Height; Ocean Vector Winds; Ocean Surface Currents; Snow Water Equivalent; Vegetation Water Content; Surface Deformation; Atmospheric Pressure, Temperature and Water Vapor Profiles; and even 3-D Winds. This talk will describe how different architectures for SmallSat/CubeSat constellations using SoOp can enable different science measurement as well as potential achievable performances for operational Earth observations.
- Publication:
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43rd COSPAR Scientific Assembly. Held 28 January - 4 February
- Pub Date:
- January 2021
- Bibcode:
- 2021cosp...43E...1S