Space of solutions to ocean surface wind measurement using scatterometer constellations

Abstract

Satellite wind vector data are integral to atmospheric models and forecasts, but current measurement limitations make some synoptic, mesoscale activities difficult to observe. Using miniaturized electronics and advanced deployable mechanisms, new satellite wind scatterometers may be possible that increase spatial, temporal, and wind resolution and coverage. We propose a simple parametric model of the space of satellite wind scatterometer designs, their performances, and the transformation between design and performance, together called a solution space model. We explore two applications of this model: understanding how advances have expanded the design space and searching for alternative approaches to satellite wind scatterometry. Recent advances enable a greater capability-to-volume ratio, which enables constellations of small, low-cost scatterometers that co-operate in a variety of modes. We present two example concepts for constellations of co-operative satellite wind scatterometers. We estimate that a constellation of CubeSat scatterometers may affordably measure global ocean vector winds every three hours.