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Calibration And Validation Of The Rapidscat Scatterometer Using Natural Land Targets, Nathan Mark Madsen

Theses and Dissertations

RapidScat is a Ku-band scatterometer that was launched September 2014 and is currently operating on the International Space Station. It estimates ocean vector winds through accurate measurement of the normalized radar coefficient (σ⁰) of the ocean surface. In order to ensure the accuracy of σ⁰ measurements and consistency with previous Ku-band scatterometers, post-launch calibration and validation is necessary. Calibration and validation is performed using natural land targets, namely the Amazon and Congo rainforests, to complement calibration efforts over the ocean. The σ⁰ response of the targets is estimated with respect to viewing angle and time of …