Hyperspectral Microwave Imaging Radiometer

The goal of this Phase II project is the development of reliable, well calibrated, easy to manufacture, low power consumption, low volume, low mass (i.e., low SWaP-C) microwave radiometer receivers. Specifically, we are aiming to develop two such economical and capable receivers. One receiver would work between 5.8 and 18 GHz with 11 channels covering this atmospheric window. The second one would operate between 168 and 196 GHz with 8 channels. The design of these two receivers will require very different technological solutions. These radiometer receivers will be building blocks for proliferated observing systems based on passive microwave sensors. Within a proliferated observing system each sensor’s performance must be repeatable, reliable, and well calibrated to enable consistent observations. Low cost hardware will enable deployment of multiple sensors in different configurations, e.g., imaging and sounding, with improved spatial, temporal, and spectral resolution. In addition to atmospheric variables, such as tropical cyclones, thunderstorms, clouds, icing conditions, precipitation, the hyperspectral sensor will also improve surface observations, such as ocean surface vector winds, snow depth, soil moisture, sea ice, and others.