CSA smartEarth 2020: Improving space-based radar reflectometry
AUG Signals is pleased to announce the official kickoff of our new CSA Project, titled “Improving Space-based Radar Reflectometry for Better Ocean State and Target Monitoring Using Advanced Data Processing”
This is a part of the CSA renewed funding initiative, smartEarth, which aims to develop earth observation applications with the use of satellite data.
Recently, there has been strong interest in space-based radar reflectometry—a procedure that utilizes signals of opportunity from Global Navigation Satellite System (GNSS) and communication satellites. Signal from such satellites continuously reflect from the earth surface, including oceans, and the reflected signal is received by observer satellites where the characteristics of the reflectors are analyzed. Microsatellites are preferred as observers due to their low cost, short deployment cycle and, most importantly, short distance from ground reflectors.
The objective of this new AUG project is to significantly improve the performance of space-based radar reflectometry for ocean-surface target monitoring by overhauling state-of-the-art data processing technology. This is technology is very important for Canada as space-based radar reflectometry using fleet of microsatellites can provide us the elusive capability of continuously monitoring arctic ocean.
Processed signals and data from satellites can provide valuable information on the geolocation of vessels, ships and other ocean-based transportation systems. Such time sensitive information can support Canada’s defense and security measures, as well as commercial logistics companies to understand the location of vessels, determine best shipping routes, and estimate delivery status.
Ocean monitoring using GNSS reflectometry also has many useful applications in the environmental sector. Take climate change for instance, the raising of earth’s average temperature poses many serious threats to our planet. With increasingly more glaciers and land-based ice melting, the rise in global sea level has caused devastating consequences to coastal habitats. Therefore, monitoring Canadian sea ice frequently and efficiently is an important and critical tool for the fight against climate change.