The Lunar Reconnaissance Orbiter Miniature Radio Frequency (Mini-RF) Technology Demonstration

Details The Lunar Reconnaissance Orbiter Miniature Radio Frequency (Mini-RF) Technology Demonstration The Lunar Reconnaissance Orbiter Miniature Radio Frequency (Mini-RF) Technology Demonstration

Jan 2010

adsabs.harvard.edu/cgi-bin/nph-data_query?bibcode=2010ssrv..150..285n&link_type=abstract

Space Science Reviews, Volume 150, Issue 1-4, pp. 285-302

Physics

11

Lunar Reconnaissance Orbiter, Mini Rf, Lunar Poles

Scientific paper

The Miniature Radio Frequency (Mini-RF) system is manifested on the Lunar Reconnaissance Orbiter (LRO) as a technology demonstration and an extended mission science instrument. Mini-RF represents a significant step forward in spaceborne RF technology and architecture. It combines synthetic aperture radar (SAR) at two wavelengths (S-band and X-band) and two resolutions (150 m and 30 m) with interferometric and communications functionality in one lightweight (16 kg) package. Previous radar observations (Earth-based, and one bistatic data set from Clementine) of the permanently shadowed regions of the lunar poles seem to indicate areas of high circular polarization ratio (CPR) consistent with volume scattering from volatile deposits (e.g. water ice) buried at shallow (0.1-1 m) depth, but only at unfavorable viewing geometries, and with inconclusive results. The LRO Mini-RF utilizes new wideband hybrid polarization architecture to measure the Stokes parameters of the reflected signal. These data will help to differentiate “true” volumetric ice reflections from “false” returns due to angular surface regolith. Additional lunar science investigations (e.g. pyroclastic deposit characterization) will also be attempted during the LRO extended mission. LRO’s lunar operations will be contemporaneous with India’s Chandrayaan-1, which carries the Forerunner Mini-SAR (S-band wavelength and 150-m resolution), and bistatic radar (S-Band) measurements may be possible. On orbit calibration, procedures for LRO Mini-RF have been validated using Chandrayaan 1 and ground-based facilities (Arecibo and Greenbank Radio Observatories).

Affiliated with

Also associated with

No associations

Rating

The Lunar Reconnaissance Orbiter Miniature Radio Frequency (Mini-RF) Technology Demonstration does not yet have a rating. At this time, there are no reviews or comments for this scientific paper.

If you have personal experience with The Lunar Reconnaissance Orbiter Miniature Radio Frequency (Mini-RF) Technology Demonstration, we encourage you to share that experience with our LandOfFree.com community. Your opinion is very important and The Lunar Reconnaissance Orbiter Miniature Radio Frequency (Mini-RF) Technology Demonstration will most certainly appreciate the feedback.

Rate now

Comments { 0 }

Profile ID: LFWR-SCP-O-806900