Session
Technical Session VI: Next on the Pad
Abstract
The Cyclone Global Navigation Satellite System (CYGNSS) project, NASA's first Earth Venture Mission, is on schedule to launch in late-2016. CYGNSS will implement a spaceborne earth observation system designed to collect measurements of ocean surface winds through measurements of variations in the direct vs. reflected Global Positioning System (GPS) signals. The mission will provide data to enable the study of the relationship between ocean surface properties, moist atmospheric thermodynamics and convective dynamics; factors thought to be fundamental to the genesis and intensification of tropical storms. Key information about the ocean surface under and around a tropical storm is hidden from existing space borne observatories due to signal attenuation in the frequency bands in which they operate by the intense tropical cyclone precipitation, thus obscuring the ocean’s surface. This plus poor temporal sampling are driving factors behind the fact that while tropical storm track forecasts have improved in accuracy by ~50% since 1990, there has been essentially no improvement in the accuracy of the storm’s intensity prediction [1] . Because L-band signal attenuation is only a minor factor by even the strongest of tropical cyclones, GNSS-based bi-static scatterometry performed by a constellation of micro-satellites offers remote sensing of ocean waves and wind with unprecedented temporal resolution and spatial coverage across the full dynamic range of ocean wind speeds in all precipitating conditions. A better understanding of these relationships and their effects should advance our ability to forecast tropical storm intensity and its closely related storm surge.
Achieving the required temporal and spatial resolution for tropical cyclone remote sensing has not been possible previously due to technology and cost limitations. Modeling techniques developed over the past 20 years combined with recent developments in nano-satellite technology and the increased risk tolerance allowed by NASA's Earth Venture Program enable CYGNSS to provide science measurements never before available to the tropical cyclone research community. CYGNSS consists of 8 GPS bi-static radar receivers deployed on 8 micro-satellites to be launched in late 2016 aboard an Orbital ATK Pegasus XL launch vehicle. The CYGNSS Observatories are enabled by modern electronic technology; it is an example of how "off the shelf" nanosatellite technology can be applied to replace traditional “old school” solutions at significantly reduced cost while providing an increase in performance. The CYGNSS SmallSat 2016 paper will provide an overview of the mission system and pre-launch status.
CYGNSS Mission Overview and Preflight Update
The Cyclone Global Navigation Satellite System (CYGNSS) project, NASA's first Earth Venture Mission, is on schedule to launch in late-2016. CYGNSS will implement a spaceborne earth observation system designed to collect measurements of ocean surface winds through measurements of variations in the direct vs. reflected Global Positioning System (GPS) signals. The mission will provide data to enable the study of the relationship between ocean surface properties, moist atmospheric thermodynamics and convective dynamics; factors thought to be fundamental to the genesis and intensification of tropical storms. Key information about the ocean surface under and around a tropical storm is hidden from existing space borne observatories due to signal attenuation in the frequency bands in which they operate by the intense tropical cyclone precipitation, thus obscuring the ocean’s surface. This plus poor temporal sampling are driving factors behind the fact that while tropical storm track forecasts have improved in accuracy by ~50% since 1990, there has been essentially no improvement in the accuracy of the storm’s intensity prediction [1] . Because L-band signal attenuation is only a minor factor by even the strongest of tropical cyclones, GNSS-based bi-static scatterometry performed by a constellation of micro-satellites offers remote sensing of ocean waves and wind with unprecedented temporal resolution and spatial coverage across the full dynamic range of ocean wind speeds in all precipitating conditions. A better understanding of these relationships and their effects should advance our ability to forecast tropical storm intensity and its closely related storm surge.
Achieving the required temporal and spatial resolution for tropical cyclone remote sensing has not been possible previously due to technology and cost limitations. Modeling techniques developed over the past 20 years combined with recent developments in nano-satellite technology and the increased risk tolerance allowed by NASA's Earth Venture Program enable CYGNSS to provide science measurements never before available to the tropical cyclone research community. CYGNSS consists of 8 GPS bi-static radar receivers deployed on 8 micro-satellites to be launched in late 2016 aboard an Orbital ATK Pegasus XL launch vehicle. The CYGNSS Observatories are enabled by modern electronic technology; it is an example of how "off the shelf" nanosatellite technology can be applied to replace traditional “old school” solutions at significantly reduced cost while providing an increase in performance. The CYGNSS SmallSat 2016 paper will provide an overview of the mission system and pre-launch status.
