THE GLOBAL L-BAND OBSERVATORY FOR WATER CYCLE STUDIES (GLOWS) – SMAP CONTINUITY MISSION
Project Description
The proposed instrument concept (Global L-band active/passive Observatory for Water cycle Studies - GLOWS) will enable low-cost L-band data continuity (that includes both L-band radar and radiometer measurements). The objective of this project is to develop key instrument technology to enable L-band observations using an Earth Venture class satellite. Specifically, a new deployable meta-material refracting lens antenna is being developed that will enable a smaller EELV Secondary Payload Adapter (ESPA) Grande-class satellite mission to continue the L-band observations at SMAP and SMOS resolution and accuracy at substantially lower cost, size, and weight.
More »Anticipated Benefits
SMAP mission was launched in 2015 and has successfully demonstrated the ability to measure soil moisture and sea surface salinity using L-band observations. SMAP soil moisture data are used is a wide range of applications from weather forecasting, floods, droughts, agriculture, water management among other important water cycle studies. There is a need for continuing these observations in future.
More »Project Library
Primary U.S. Work Locations and Key Partners
| Organizations Performing Work | Role | Type | Location |
|---|---|---|---|
Goddard Space Flight Center
(GSFC)
|
Lead Organization | NASA Center | Greenbelt, Maryland |
| Brigham Young University-Provo | Supporting Organization | Academia | Provo, Utah |
| MMA Design, LLC | Supporting Organization | Industry | Louisville, Colorado |
Primary U.S. Work Locations
-
Colorado
-
Maryland
-
Utah
