Theoretical research on new concepts for the remote sensing of hydrometeors

There is an interest for climatology and meteorology to map hydrometeors, and in particular precipitation, both over the entire globe and across large defined regions. To achieve this goal at the proper spatial and temporal resolution which are required to satisfy the end users needs it has been proposed to use satellite based observations. This paper presents the results of a theoretical study aiming to the research of new concepts for the remote sensing of hydrometeors with emphasis on precipitation. The concept proposed is a Focused Wide band millimeter wave INTERferometer (WINTER-F) comprising a constellation of two small satellites, flying close to each other. The two satellites, which are phase synchronized by the GNSS (Global Navigation Satellite System) signals, perform near field interferometry by passive (radiometer) and active (radar) means. The study comprises the realization of laboratory experiments to check the validity of the theoretical models.