Agnirva Space Premier League - Expedition #31093: Tracking Winds from Orbit: How ISS-RapidScat Observes Earth’s Weather

Weather on Earth is constantly changing, and understanding it is critical for everything from agriculture to disaster preparedness. Enter ISS-RapidScat, a fascinating Earth observation instrument mounted on the International Space Station. Its mission? To measure wind speeds and directions over the oceans.

ISS-RapidScat used a type of radar called a scatterometer. It sent microwave pulses to the ocean surface and analyzed the signals that bounced back. Based on how the ocean surface roughened by winds reflected the signal, scientists could determine wind patterns across vast areas.

Why use the ISS? Its orbit allowed RapidScat to observe parts of the Earth at different times of day, filling in data gaps left by traditional weather satellites.

The data collected improved weather forecasting, climate modeling, and storm tracking—especially for hurricanes and typhoons. It also provided valuable information for maritime navigation and fishing industries.

RapidScat was also a demonstration of how repurposed hardware (it reused parts from a previous satellite) could be used effectively on the ISS, showing the station's flexibility as a platform for Earth science.

Though ISS-RapidScat ended operations in 2016, its legacy continues through improved understanding of wind dynamics and successful satellite missions that followed.

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