Spaceborne Cloud and Precipitation Radars: Status, Challenges, and Ways Forward.

Area of Science:

• Atmospheric Science
• Earth Observation
• Hydrology

Background:

• Spaceborne radars offer unique 3D atmospheric data for Earth's hydrological cycle.
• Existing missions like TRMM, CloudSat, GPM, RainCube, and EarthCARE provide cloud and precipitation data, but with limitations.

Purpose of the Study:

• To review current spaceborne radar capabilities and identify gaps in observing cloud and precipitation processes.
• To analyze limitations in detecting low-level clouds, high-latitude precipitation, and convective motions.
• To propose solutions for the next generation of spaceborne radar systems.

Main Methods:

• Review of existing and planned spaceborne radar missions (TRMM, CloudSat, GPM, RainCube, EarthCARE).
• Analysis of measurement limitations concerning cloud types and precipitation regimes.
• Identification of technological advancements and future research directions.

Main Results:

• Current spaceborne radar systems have considerable gaps in observing key cloud and precipitation processes.
• Limitations exist in observing low-level clouds, mid- and high-latitude precipitation, and convective motions.
• Advancements in radar technology and space platforms are crucial for next-generation systems.

Conclusions:

• Next-generation spaceborne radars require enhanced capabilities to address current observational gaps.
• Utilizing diverse frequency bands, mixed pulse lengths, and radar constellations can improve measurements.
• Increased international engagement is vital for developing future spaceborne radar systems.