ISRO Successfully Demonstrates Satellite Technology to Study Ocean and Soil Parameters

ISRO's GNSS-R Technology

What is GNSS-R?

• Developed by: SAC-ISRO, India’s first spaceborne precision receiver.
• Method: New remote sensing method using reflected GNSS signals.
• Data Collection: Collects data on soil moisture, surface inundation, ocean surface wind, and waves.
• Carried by: EOS-08 satellite (launched on August 16, 2024).

Data Processing

The raw data is processed at the National Remote Sensing Centre (NRSC) in Shadnagar, Hyderabad. GNSS/RNSS signals (GPS, NavIC) reflected from Earth's surface are analyzed.

GNSS-R Functions:

• Collects ground-reflected GNSS signals & measures their strength.
• Provides scientific information on:
  • Soil moisture
  • Surface inundation
  • Ocean surface wind & waves

Resolution:

• Oceans: 15 km x 15 km
• Land: Better than 1 km x 1 km

GNSS-R Outputs:

• Delay-Doppler Maps (DDMs): Used to derive scientific data like NBRCS.
• Data Processing Tools: Microsoft tools developed by SAC-ISRO.

GNSS-R Achievements:

• Collected high-resolution land data over the Sahara Desert (better than CYGNSS).
• Generated a flood mask for the Amazon rainforest using SpecUltraFlaction technique.
• Collected the first ocean data over the Pacific Ocean for wind speed & wave direction.