We will formulate high-level concepts for passive microwave instrument candidates for next generation precipitation and cloud measurements. The results can be used in support of a Cloud and Precipitation Process Mission architecture study. Outcomes will include technology roadmaps and relative science performance evaluation for a small-satellite microwave imager (MI) oriented towards time-resolved process measurements, a balloon-borne microwave imager suitable for use in medium-duration (~4-6 week) campaigns, and a large-satellite MI with enhanced profiling capability, all considering architectures for including sub-millimeter-wave channels.
More »The cloud and precipitation science community desires process-oriented measurements to improve representation of cloud microphysical processes (e.g., snow aggregation, riming, onset of precipitation) to continue and expand the legacy of measurements from TRMM, CloudSat, and GPM. A process-oriented mission would ideally yield detailed profiles, separating cloud and precipitation hydrometeor species, at horizontal resolution < 4km, vertical resolution < 250m, and temporally resolved on scales of < 30 minutes. While these objectives would best be achieved using a combination of active and passive measurements on multiple satellites, advances in MI design are a minimum requirement to achieve the desired hydrometeor discrimination, horizontal, vertical, and temporal resolution. This study will provide detailed measurement requirements needed to achieve scientific understanding of cloud and precipitation processes and then formulate instrument concepts that can provide these measurements.
More »Organizations Performing Work | Role | Type | Location |
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Goddard Space Flight Center (GSFC) | Lead Organization | NASA Center | Greenbelt, Maryland |