A short pulse radar for sensing ocean wave structure

A real-aperture radar technique is under development at the Goddard Space Flight Center to remotely sense ocean gravity waves from spacecraft. Experimental data obtained from aircraft demonstrations indicate correlation between wave profilometer and radar-derived spectra, and results from an analytical model for scattering from rough surfaces shows promise of explaining the sensor response. This paper will present the basic concept of the sensing system and a summary of the research program and results.