The AMSR-2 sensor is a passive microwave radiometer operating at 7 channels ranging from 6.925 to 89.0GHz, with an additional channel at 7.3GHz for RFI mitigation compared with its predecessor AMSR-E. Both horizontally and vertically polarized radiation are measured at each frequency with a nominal incidence angle of 55°. The ground spatial resolution at nadir is 62km × 35km for the 6.925GHz and 7.3GHz channels (C-band). The AMSR-2 is on board GCOM-W1 satellite, which was launched on 18th May 2012. It has a 1:30am/pm equator crossing orbit with 1-2 day repeat coverage. Several surface soil moisture products are available globally. AMSR-2 high frequency data with a resolution as high as 3km x 5km will be tested to downscale space-borne L-band brightness temperature observations and soil moisture products. AMSR-2 brightness temperature data can be downloaded free of charge.
The features of Aquarius are summarized below.
Mission |
AMSR-2 |
Sensors |
Radiometer |
Spacecraft |
|
Launch date |
18th, May, 2012 |
Scan and rate |
Conical scan at 40 rpm |
Antenna |
Offset parabola with 2m dia |
Frequency (GHz) |
6.9-89 |
Polarization |
H, V |
Incidence angle(°) |
Nominal 55. |
Swath (km) |
1450 |