Potential NASA Commercial Applications: For radar interferometry, the high frequency (Ka‐band) of operation enables improved accuracy with a constrained antenna and baseline size and as such has been proposed as a potential solution for interplanetary ice mapping missions (e.g. Europa) and planetary topography mapping missions. mini-KASM componentry, integrated subsystems and techniques including the compact, low-power implementation and calibration methodologies could readily be integrated, or adapted for the specific system requirements. This innovation will also support NASA's airborne science missions by utilizing long-endurance unmanned aircraft such as the Ikhana or alternately the Global Hawk. These platforms become directly relevant and even enabling due to the often remote nature of regions of interest, particularly as one considers the cryosphere. It is also aligned with NASA's initiative to expand the utility of Ikhana to Arctic missions, as the Marginal Ice Zone Observations and Processes Experiment exemplifies.
More »