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Completed TRL 2 (started at 1, targeting 2)
We propose an early-stage innovation to model and derive requirements for a multi-spacecraft microwave imaging interferometer for high angular-resolution imaging. The modeling framework developed during this IRAD will be able to be used for different number of spacecraft and observation frequency. This proposal aims to investigate the constraints on possible development/technology paths which would eventually enable a future mission concept for a high resolution synthetic aperture L-band radiometer that can be used to estimate soil moisture and other land surface/ocean variables needed for a variety of Earth science applications.
Main objectives for this IRAD are to demonstrate the efficiency of new methods for acquisition and processing of interferometric radiometer measurements, achieving a resolution around 4km while preserving a radiometric accuracy compatible with the needs of soil moisture or ocean salinity retrieval. The system relies on a small constellation of identical nano satellites (between 2 and 4), flying in close formation (distances around 40-50m).
This is an Early-Stage Innovation. The enabling capability is multi-spacecraft microwave instruments. This architecture is needed to move beyond the limitations of single spacecraft large-aperture imagers (e.g., SMAP). It has game-changing potential for high-angular resolution imagers. This technology enables a 1-km imager at 1.4 GHz or 50-meters at 37 GHz!
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