FUTURE NANOSATELLITE CONSTELLATION FOR RADIO OCCULTATION MEASUREMENTS

摘要

The future nanosatellite constellation for radio occultation measurements aims to provide 10000 occultations per day (horizon 2020). The radio occultation technique based on the refraction of an electromagnetic signal between a GNSS satellite (Global Navigation Satellite System) and a receiver satellite located o a low orbit provides a way to observe the Earth's atmosphere, especially its temperature, pressure and water vapor, but also the ionosphere. This technique is now considered a mature concept, the benefits clearly recognized by the communities of weather prediction, climatology and space weather.rnActivities are underway at CNES to define a low cost system and instrumental concept to satisfy the specifications of the different communities.