Editorial Type:
Article
Article Type:
Research Article

The NASA GSFC 94-GHz Airborne Solid-State Cloud Radar System (CRS)

Matthew L. Walker McLinden aNASA Goddard Space Flight Center, Greenbelt, Maryland

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Lihua Li aNASA Goddard Space Flight Center, Greenbelt, Maryland

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Gerald M. Heymsfield aNASA Goddard Space Flight Center, Greenbelt, Maryland

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Michael Coon aNASA Goddard Space Flight Center, Greenbelt, Maryland

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Amber Emory aNASA Goddard Space Flight Center, Greenbelt, Maryland

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Online Publication:
11 May 2021
Print Publication:
01 May 2021
Collections:
The Investigation of Microphysics and Precipitation for Atlantic Coast-Threatening Snowstorms (IMPACTS)
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.1175/JTECH-D-20-0127.1
Page(s):
1001–1017
Restricted access

Abstract

The NASA Goddard Space Flight Center’s (GSFC’s) W-band (94 GHz) Cloud Radar System (CRS) has been comprehensively updated to modern solid-state and digital technology. This W-band (94 GHz) radar flies in nadir-pointing mode on the NASA ER-2 high-altitude aircraft, providing polarimetric reflectivity and Doppler measurements of clouds and precipitation. This paper describes the design and signal processing of the upgraded CRS. It includes details on the hardware upgrades [solid-state power amplifier (SSPA) transmitter, antenna, and digital receiver] including a new reflectarray antenna and solid-state transmitter. It also includes algorithms, including internal loop-back calibration, external calibration using a direct relationship between volume reflectivity and the range-integrated backscatter of the ocean, and a modified staggered–pulse repetition frequency (PRF) Doppler algorithm that is highly resistant to unfolding errors. Data samples obtained by upgraded CRS through recent NASA airborne science missions are provided.

For information regarding reuse of this content and general copyright information, consult the AMS Copyright Policy (www.ametsoc.org/PUBSReuseLicenses).

Corresponding author: Matthew Walker McLinden, matthew.l.mclinden@nasa.gov

Abstract

The NASA Goddard Space Flight Center’s (GSFC’s) W-band (94 GHz) Cloud Radar System (CRS) has been comprehensively updated to modern solid-state and digital technology. This W-band (94 GHz) radar flies in nadir-pointing mode on the NASA ER-2 high-altitude aircraft, providing polarimetric reflectivity and Doppler measurements of clouds and precipitation. This paper describes the design and signal processing of the upgraded CRS. It includes details on the hardware upgrades [solid-state power amplifier (SSPA) transmitter, antenna, and digital receiver] including a new reflectarray antenna and solid-state transmitter. It also includes algorithms, including internal loop-back calibration, external calibration using a direct relationship between volume reflectivity and the range-integrated backscatter of the ocean, and a modified staggered–pulse repetition frequency (PRF) Doppler algorithm that is highly resistant to unfolding errors. Data samples obtained by upgraded CRS through recent NASA airborne science missions are provided.

For information regarding reuse of this content and general copyright information, consult the AMS Copyright Policy (www.ametsoc.org/PUBSReuseLicenses).

Corresponding author: Matthew Walker McLinden, matthew.l.mclinden@nasa.gov
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Journal of Atmospheric and Oceanic Technology

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