Characterizing uncertainties in Doppler measurements using a displaced phase center antenna configuration on spaceborne weather radars
Date
2021
Authors
Graniello, Sergio Daniel, author
Chandrasekar, V, advisor
Cheney, Margaret, committee member
Chavéz, José, committee member
Journal Title
Journal ISSN
Volume Title
Abstract
The work presented in this thesis explores a new antenna configuration for accurately obtaining Doppler measurements from a spaceborne weather radar. Spaceborne weather radars have the potential to observe the dynamic process of the atmosphere at a global scale. Unlike ground and airborne radar, spaceborne radars have a unique challenge due to high orbital velocities, which result in a decorrelation of successive pulses, adversely affecting the ability to accurately measure the vertical Doppler velocity of clouds and precipitation [1]. A Displaced phase center antenna (DPCA) configuration has been proposed to mitigate the effects that high platform velocity have on single antenna system on a spaceborne weather radar. This work describes the concept of DPCA and its benefits over a single antenna system. This thesis characterizes the performance and its uncertainty for Doppler velocity estimation associated with the technique by simulating a spaceborne weather radar with DPCA. Through this process it was determined that DPCA removes the decorrelation effect that is associated with high platform velocities, resulting in a high accuracy in Doppler estimates in both homogeneous and non-homogeneous conditions.