Title :
Integration of MIRAS breadboard and future activities
Author :
Martín-Neira, M. ; Goutoule, J. ; Knight, A. ; Claude, J. ; Bara, J. ; Camps, A. ; Torres, F. ; Corbella, I. ; Lannes, A. ; Anterrieu, E. ; Laursen, B. ; Skou, N.
Author_Institution :
Eur. Space Agency, Noordwijk, Netherlands
Abstract :
The European Space Agency (ESA) is conducting a feasibility study on MIRAS, a Microwave Imaging Radiometer using two dimensional aperture synthesis, for the mapping of soil moisture and ocean salinity from space. An aircraft breadboard of this instrument is discussed. This paper concentrates on the results achieved following the integration of the prototype. The breadboard consists of an 11 element Y-shaped bi-dimensional L-band interferometer which can be switched to measure the two polarizations. In addition the future activities related to MIRAS are presented. A technology demonstrator of MIRAS is proposed as a first major step towards a future spaceborne sensor
Keywords :
electromagnetic wave polarisation; geophysical techniques; hydrological equipment; microwave detectors; microwave imaging; microwave measurement; moisture measurement; oceanographic equipment; radiometers; radiometry; radiowave interferometers; remote sensing; soil; 11 element Y-shaped bi-dimensional L-band interferometer; European Space Agency; MIRAS breadboard; Microwave Imaging Radiometer; future activities; ocean salinity; polarizations; soil moisture; technology demonstrator; two dimensional aperture synthesis; Aircraft; Apertures; Instruments; L-band; Microwave imaging; Microwave radiometry; Prototypes; SMOS mission; Sea measurements; Soil measurements;
Conference_Titel :
Geoscience and Remote Sensing Symposium, 1996. IGARSS '96. 'Remote Sensing for a Sustainable Future.', International
Conference_Location :
Lincoln, NE
Print_ISBN :
0-7803-3068-4
DOI :
10.1109/IGARSS.1996.516504
