Satellites Use GPS Signals to Study the Earth
Wired reports on the six satellite constellation called Cosmic (for Constellation Observing System for Meteorology, Ionosphere and Climate) which resides in low Earth orbit to grab weather and climate data. Launched last April the group can capture some 16,000 readings per day. And here’s the cool part from my perspective: the constellation
uses available GPS radio signals to collect data on atmospheric temperature, water vapor and electron density. As signals from the existing fleet of 24 GPS satellites race through the atmosphere, they are bent and delayed by variations in the atmospheric profile in much the same way a lens refracts a light beam.
by Adena Schutzberg on 01/11 at 08:18 AM |
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