Characterizing Earth Surface Scattering for an Upcoming CubeSat GNSS-Reflectometry Mission

GNSS-R (Global Navigation Satellite System-Reflectometry) is a remote sensing technique that investigates GNSS signals that are reflected from the Earth in order to measure parameters of the surface. Satellite GNSS-R missions have the potential to detect sea ice, to measure sea surface height on a global scale and thus provide information on ocean circulation, and retrieve wind information. In order to plan measurement missions and to interpret reflected signals the scattering behavior of the various surfaces of the Earth has to be studied. This paper reviews propagation aspects of sea ice, sea water, and soil types and discusses them in the light of an upcoming CubeSat GNSS-Reflectometry mission.