Current status of the Dual-frequency precipitation Radar on the Global Precipitation Measurement core spacecraft and scan pattern change test operations results

Abstract

The Dual-frequency Precipitation Radar (DPR) installed on the Global Precipitation Measurement (GPM) core satellite was developed by the Japan Aerospace Exploration Agency (JAXA) and the National Institute of Information and Communications Technology (NICT). GPM core observatory was successfully launched by H-IIA launch vehicle on Feb 28, 2014. JAXA is continuing DPR trend monitoring, calibration and validation operations to confirm that DPR keeps its function and performance on orbit. The results of DPR trend monitoring, calibration and validation showed that DPR kept its function and performance on orbit during the 3 years and 2 months prime mission period. JAXA confirmed the prime mission results of GPM/DPR total system achieved the success criteria and the performance indicators. GPM/DPR moved to extended mission phase. JAXA conducted two types of scan pattern change test operations, KaPR-HS outer swath scan pattern and KuPR and KaPR wider swath scan. These useful data will help feasibility studies of the proposed KaPR scan pattern for the next DPR product version up and the future spaceborne radar development.