A space-borne passive microwave radiometer for the space programme of a developing nation

Microwave Radiometers have contributed enormously to airborne and spaceborne earth observation missions, and represent a mature technology. As such, for a developing country´s space programme, they seem a good starting point. We have investigated the field to extract the configuration of a simple radiometer sensor package for a small satellite. The package we recommend is similar to the SMMR and Windsat missions. However advances in technology and techniques should allow for a much simpler design. The four proposed frequencies that the system detects are 6.8, 10.7, ~22, 37 GHz. Two optional additional frequencies, strongly recommended, 7.3 and 18.7 GHz can also be used depending on constraints. All frequencies are proposed to be detected by dual polarisation receivers, although the H-pol channel of the 22 GHz frequency would be redundant. This choice could allow the estimation of sea surface temperature, wind speed, precipitation, ice type and extent, soil moisture, integrated water vapour and cloud liquid water.