In-orbit performance of the constellation of CYGNSS hurricane satellites

Each satellite carries a radar receiver that measures GPS signals scattered from the surface. Wind speed over the ocean is determined from distortions in the signal caused by wind-driven surface roughness.

GPS operates at a sufficiently low frequency to allow for propagation through all precipitation, including the extreme rain rates present in the eyewall of tropical cyclones. The spacing and orbit of the satellites were chosen to optimize frequent sampling of tropical cyclones. In this study, we characterize the CYGNSS ocean surface wind speed measurements by their uncertainty, dynamic range, sensitivity to precipitation, spatial resolution, spatial and temporal sampling, and data latency.