Passive microwave precipitation measurements for EOS

It is currently planned to mount a Special Sensor Microwave/Imager (SSM/I) on the manned Space Station (MSS) to obtain quantitative global precipitation data. Passive SSM/I instruments could also be included on other satellites, and function in the 19.35 GHz, V/H polarization, 22.35 GHz, V polarization, 37.0, V/H polarization, and 85.5 GHz, V/H polarization modes. Two polar orbiting satellites and the unit on the MSS would be needed to establish a database sufficient for studying monthly, daily and diurnal precipitation variations that are accurate for local regions. Realization of an effective system depends on the development of algorithms for discriminating between rainfall, snow, light rain and ocean background radiation patterns.