Active Rain-Radar Calibrator for Tropical Rainfall Measuring Mission

We propose to design a state-of-the-art active radar calibrator which will be used for absolute calibration of the TRMM Rain Radar. During Phase I, we investigate several architectures and perform design evaluations with the ultimate objective of designing an improved radar calibrator with unprecedented accuracy and stability, yet optimized for cost and complexity. The active calibrator will be optimized for cost, weight, reliability, stability, gain, sidelobe, cross polarization, etc. The absolute accuracy should be much better then 1 dB. We shall investigate the limiting factors in attaining gain stability of 0.1 dB or so. Critical technology requirements will be identified and finally we shall perform a complete design for the optimized candidate. The design will include Receiving and Transmitting antennas, active transponder and complete configuration including Radome and housing. Based on the design and performance estimates, we shall construct a prototype unit and test it during Phase II. We propose to undertake the manufacture and field deployment of such units during and beyond Phase II.