WindSat-satellite-based polarimetric microwave radiometer

WindSat is a satellite-based multi-frequency polarimetric microwave radiometer being developed by the Naval Research Laboratory for the U.S. Navy and the National Polar-orbiting Operational Environmental Satellite System (NPOESS) Integrated Program Office (IPO). WindSat is designed to demonstrate the viability of using polarimetric microwave radiometry to measure the ocean surface wind vector from space. The sensor provides risk reduction data that the IPO will use in the development of the Conical Microwave Imager Sounder (CMIS). WindSat is the primary payload on the Air Force Coriolis satellite, which is scheduled to launch in February 2002.