Enabling Sampling Properties of the Cygnss Satellite Constellation

摘要

The CYGNSS constellation of eight smallsats was successfully launched in low Earth orbit on December 15, 2016. Each satellite carries a four channel bistatic radar receiver which measures GPS signals scattered from the Earth surface, from which ocean surface wind speed is determined. The use of a constellation, and the way their orbits are configured relative to one another, enable critical sampling properties. In particular, short time scale physical processes like the rapid intensification phase of a tropical cyclone can be resolved. Results from the 2017 Atlantic hurricane season will be used to demonstrate this.