The Compact Ocean Wind Vector Radiometer, abbreviated as COWVR, is a system that is about the size of a small refrigerator. The TEMPEST (Temporal Experiment for Storms and Tropical Systems) is considerably smaller, measuring approximately the size of a cereal box. Despite their small size, these two instruments are designed to do a tremendous job. They can make the same high-quality atmospheric observations as weather satellites several times their size at a fraction of the cost.
The two radiometers are part of the Space Test Program-Houston 8 (STP-H8) of the United States Air Force. It is destined for use in the International Space Station. The two systems are considered for technology demonstrations, and if they work as expected, Weather Forecasting Systems & Solutions Market could have a technological boost.
COWVR and TEMPEST will supply many of the data elements that scientists use to create weather and climate forecasts when they work together: They'll track the speed and direction of winds over the ocean's surface. Further, they can also check rainfall, atmospheric moisture, how that moisture is distributed vertically, and other factors on the ocean's surface and in the atmosphere.
They stated that TEMPEST and COWVR would be tethered to the space station and circle the globe 16 times each day in low-Earth orbit. The station has a unique trajectory, which is why the two systems will spend the majority of their time over the mid-tropics and latitudes. Their best attraction is that they will return more efficiently compared to sensors present in other orbits. With the increased information, scientists will better understand storm development and track growing storm systems.
TEMPEST and COWVR can also return the data to Earth faster than other instruments now in operation. Thus, allowing scientists and forecasters to track the rapid intensification of many storms in near real-time. The majority of satellites only communicate with a few base stations worldwide, which takes time. Before it ever reaches the ground, the data could be a couple of hours old, and it still needs to be analyzed.
COWVR's primary mission is to monitor wind speed and direction at the ocean's surface, while TEMPEST's mission is to give atmospheric water vapor data. They'll be able to collect this complementary data simultaneously because they'll fly together and take measurements over the same locations.
If COWVR and TEMPEST perform successfully, they will demonstrate a way to collect comprehensive data needed for weather forecasting. Further, they would also provide a better understanding of climate that may be contained in a considerably smaller compact and much lower cost than previously anticipated