Session
Session 10: Year In Review
Abstract
The eight micro-satellite Cyclone Global Navigation Satellite System (CYGNSS) constellation was launched on December 15, 2016. Each of the observatories carries a 4-channel GNSS-R receiver tuned to receive signals reflected by the Earth's ocean surface from which near-surface wind speed is estimated. The mission is focused on providing high temporal and spatial sensing of the wind conditions under and near developing tropical storms and cyclones. CYGNSS is studying the relationship between ocean surface properties, moist atmospheric thermodynamics, radiation and convective dynamics to determine how a cyclone forms, whether it will strengthen, and how much. A recap of launch and early operations is presented via a somewhat humorous analogy to parenting octuplets, with lessons learned included throughout. Topics include the roller-coaster ride of false labor (launch delays); the excitement of the birth, er, launch; the euphoria of seeing all eight μ Sats born alive and breathing; the adrenaline rush of saving one μ Sat born on life support; the total exhaustion that comes with round-the clock care and feeding; and the mixed emotions that come with “sending them out into the world” after a few weeks of doting over them to see them grow up and make their mark in the world.
Presentation
CYGNSS Launch and Early Ops: Parenting Octuplets
The eight micro-satellite Cyclone Global Navigation Satellite System (CYGNSS) constellation was launched on December 15, 2016. Each of the observatories carries a 4-channel GNSS-R receiver tuned to receive signals reflected by the Earth's ocean surface from which near-surface wind speed is estimated. The mission is focused on providing high temporal and spatial sensing of the wind conditions under and near developing tropical storms and cyclones. CYGNSS is studying the relationship between ocean surface properties, moist atmospheric thermodynamics, radiation and convective dynamics to determine how a cyclone forms, whether it will strengthen, and how much. A recap of launch and early operations is presented via a somewhat humorous analogy to parenting octuplets, with lessons learned included throughout. Topics include the roller-coaster ride of false labor (launch delays); the excitement of the birth, er, launch; the euphoria of seeing all eight μ Sats born alive and breathing; the adrenaline rush of saving one μ Sat born on life support; the total exhaustion that comes with round-the clock care and feeding; and the mixed emotions that come with “sending them out into the world” after a few weeks of doting over them to see them grow up and make their mark in the world.
