Measuring vertical rainfall velocity through spaceborne Doppler radar: performance analysis and system requirements

In this paper we will present the results of the trade studies on the performance of a spaceborne Doppler radar in measuring vertical rainfall velocity. Particular emphases will be placed on: 1) the choice of the PRF vs. antenna size ratio, 2) the choice of the observational strategy, 3) the choice of the operating frequency; and the 4) processing strategy. The results show that accuracies of 1 m/s or better can be achieved with the currently available technology and with careful selection the system parameters.