Evolution of high spatial resolution spaceborne scatterometers

Satellite scatterometer (microwave radar) normalized radar backscatter measurements (/spl sigma//sup 0/) can be used to infer near-surface ocean wind speed and direction. The feasibility of scatterometer wind speed remote sensing was first proven with RADSCAT on SKYLAB in 1973. The technique was refined with the Seasat scatterometer in 1978 and work in the early 1990s by European and US space agencies has provided the foundation for continuous, global wind vector measurements. This paper discusses the need for improved scatterometer spatial resolution and the design evolution for planned future high resolution spaceborne scatterometers.