An optimal method for parameter retrieval from Radio Occultation Missions

Abstract

Radio occultation (RO) is the Global Navigation Satellite System (GNSS) based remote sensing of Earth’s atmosphere for atmospheric parameter retrieval and total electron content (TEC) computation. Several RO missions have been launched by ISRO, viz. Meghatropiques and Oceansat-2, for atmospheric studies. Current implemented methods are able to provide the parameters only in post processed mode and hence, are available after some duration. This is due to the limitation of availability of precise satellite orbit for GNSS and LEO satellites which serves as one of the fundamental input to the process. However, a faster turnaround time is possible if the parameters are computed in near real time from the on-board solutions. This paper highlights the work that has resulted in optimizing the atmospheric parameter retrieval and TEC computation using the radio occultation technique.