Global observations from a well-calibrated passive microwave atmospheric sounder on a CubeSat: Temporal Experiment for Storms and Tropical Systems Technology Demonstration (TEMPEST-D) Mission (Conference Presentation)

Abstract

To improve understanding of rapid, dynamic evolution of convective cloud and precipitation processes as well as the surrounding water vapor environment, we require fine time-resolution multi-frequency microwave sounding observations capable of penetrating inside the storm where the microphysical processes leading to precipitation occur. To address this critical observational need, the Temporal Experiment for Storms and Tropical Systems (TEMPEST) mission deploys a train of 6U CubeSats carrying identical low-mass, low-power millimeter-wave radiometers to sample rapid changes in convection and water vapor every 3-4 minutes for up to 30 minutes. These millimeter-wave radiometers observe at five frequencies from 87 to 181 GHz. By rapidly sampling the life cycle of convection, TEMPEST fills a critical observational gap and complements existing and future satellite missions. To demonstrate global, well-calibrated radiometric measurements to meet the needs of TEMPEST, the TEMPEST Technology Demonstration (TEMPEST-D) mission satellite was launched on May 21, 2018 on Orbital ATK’s CRS-9 mission to the ISS and deployed into a 400-km altitude and 51.6° inclination orbit by NanoRacks on July 13, 2018. TEMPEST-D has met all mission requirements on schedule and within budget. After achieving first light on September 5, 2018, the TEMPEST-D mission has achieved TRL 7 for both the instrument and spacecraft systems. TEMPEST-D brightness temperatures have been cross-calibrated with those of four NASA, NOAA and EUMETSAT reference sensors observing at similar frequencies. Results demonstrate that the TEMPEST-D on-orbit instrument is a very well-calibrated and stable radiometer with very low noise, rivaling that of much larger, more expensive operational instruments.