SeaWinds

SeaWinds

Satellites

QuikSCAT, ADEOS-2, GCOM-W 2/3

Status

Operational (on QuikSCAT) – Utilised in the period: 1999 to ~ 2008. If approved on GCOM 2/3: 2016 to ~ 2025

Mission

Sea surface wind vector

Instrument type

Ku-band radar scatterometer (13.4 GHz)

Scanning technique

Conical scanning, two beams, to provide four views of each spot from different angles; swath 1800 km

Coverage/cycle

Global coverage every day

Resolution

Best quality: 50 km – standard quality: 25 km – basic sampling: 12.5 km

Resources

Mass: 200 kg - Power: 220 W - Data rate: 40 kbps