Radsar, a New Technology for High Performance Meterological Aperture Synthesis Radiometry

RADSAR is an innovation which provides aperture synthesis radiometer technology with the performance potential to exceed existing needs for military and commerical/civilian high resolution electromagnetic mapping and sensing of meterological phenomena. Microwave electromagnetic radiometry has long been seen as the premier technology for meterological sensing by virture of its inherent performance characteristics. However, it has languished compared to elecro-optical techniques and synthetic aperture radar (SAR) because it has needed very large antennas for good performance. RADSAR overcomes this problem by synthesizing a large aperture like a SAR. In this option we will provide conceptual designs and performance evaluations for airborne and spaceborne meteorological and environmental sensor systems and we will analyze the potential for commerical development. Validation will be provided by computer modeling and design review. This new technology can benefit spaceborne and airborne meteorological, environmental and military intelligence systems. A major commercialization study effort has revealed a wide range of interested potential customers including agribussiness, banks, commodities brokers, and local government air quality management districts, in addition to NASA and the military.