Global Precipitiation Measurement Core Satellite Instruments

This visualization shows the scanning capabilities of the two instruments onboard the Global Precipitation Measurement (GPM) Core satellite--a state-of-the-art radiometer called the GPM Microwave Imager (GMI) and the first space-borne Dual-frequency Precipitation Radar (DPR), which sees the 3D structure of falling rain and snow.

The GPM mission is co-led by NASA and the Japan Aerospace Exploration Agency (JAXA).  The GPM Core satellite to serves as a reference for precipitation measurements made by a constellation of satellites.  The DPR and GMI work in concert to provide a unique database that will be used to improve the accuracy and consistency of measurements from all partner satellites, which will then be combined into the uniform global precipitation dataset.

The GMI, shown as the flat precipitation values, constantly scans a region 550 miles (885 kilometers) wide.  Heavy rainfall is shown in red and light rainfall in blue. 

The DPR shows 3D precipitation in a midlatitude storm from two overlapping swaths.  The Ka-band frequency scans across a region of 78 miles (125 kilometers) and is nested within the wider scan of the Ku-band frequency of 147 miles (245 kilometers).

The Ball Aerospace and Technology Corporation built the GMI under contract with NASA Goddard Space Flight Center.  JAXA and Japan's National Institute of Information and Communications Technology (NICT) built the DPR.

Visualizer: Trent L. Schindler (lead)

For more information or to download this public domain video, go to https://svs.gsfc.nasa.gov/4016#16327.