The Radar-in-a-Cubesat (RAINCUBE) and Measurement Results

RainCube (Radar in a CubeSat) is a technology demonstration mission to enable Ka-band precipitation radar technologies on a low-cost, quick-turnaround platform. The mission is manifested for an ISS deployment with the ELaNa-23 launch, currently scheduled in May, 2018. Radar instruments have often been regarded as unsuitable for small satellite platforms due to their traditionally large size, weight, and power. The Jet Propulsion Laboratory (JPL) has developed a novel architecture compatible with the 6U class. The RainCube mission will validate two key technologies in the space environment - a miniaturized Ka-band precipitation profiling radar that occupies ~ 2.5U and a 0.5m Ka-band deployable parabolic antenna stowed within 1.5U. The spacecraft bus is developed by Tyvak Nanosatellite Systems, who will be responsible for integration of the flight system and mission operations. RainCube is funded through the Science Mission Directorate's (SMD) Research Opportunities in Space and Earth Science (ROSES) 2015 In-Space Validation of Earth Science Technologies (InVEST) solicitation with the goal of raising the instrument TRL to 7.