GNSS Reflections Multistatic Radar for Wetland Dynamics (GENESIS)

We will develop a low-power, beam-steering receiver to utilize opportunistic signals, notably those from Global Navigation Satellite Systems (GNSS), to form a multistatic radar instrument for Earth remote sensing. This development targets a low-cost mission to study wetland dynamics and soil moisture content using forward-scattered GNSS signals. The instrument is designed to make these science measurements while simultaneously performing high-value GNSS radio occultation measurements of atmospheric temperature and humidity, and precise orbit determination. The instrument will infuse key enabling technology developed under the ROSES 2013 Advanced Component Technology "Beam Steerable GNSS Radio Occultation ASIC." This integrated radiation-tolerant multichannel front end, designed for science-quality observations, is critical to allow processing of multiple beam-steered signals with low power consumption, enabling easier accommodation on missions of opportunity. We also leverage an internal JPL effort focused on developing a new, low power, expandable software radio receiver for GNSS and other signals of opportunity. The beamforming ability, in conjunction with an arrayed antenna, enables simultaneous high-gain surface reflection measurements, which could number in the dozens, and allows tracking these signals for longer periods and with higher gain than non-beam-steered instruments, increasing the instrument's science return. During the thirty-six month performance period we will design, fabricate and test a complete instrument system, demonstrate its performance and environmental qualification, and advance the TRL from 3 to 6 by completing the following tasks: - Complete detailed requirements to enable high-quality scientific measurements targeting wetland dynamics and soil moisture. - Design and construct a prototype and TRL 6 engineering model of the instrument. - Test the instrument receiver using a GNSS Radio Frequency (RF) simulator, outdoor experiments, and an aircraft demonstration. - Verify the design to the required environments. Our team includes experts in GNSS receiver technology, GNSS reflectometry remote sensing, hydrology science, and GNSS radio occultations.

Enabling lower cost innovative remote sensing instrument development from concept through breadboard and demonstration

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