description CYGNSS (constellation) Overview
CYGNSS (Cyclone Global Navigation Satellite System) is a NASA constellation of eight microsatellites launched on December 15, 2016 from Cape Canaveral aboard a Pegasus XL rocket. Developed by the University of Michigan, each spacecraft uses reflected GPS signals to measure tropical ocean surface wind speeds in all weather conditions, including heavy rainfall associated with hurricanes. The constellation provides frequent revisit times over the tropics, improving understanding of tropical cyclone intensification.
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CYGNSS (constellation) ranks #79 of 187 in the Satellite ranking, behind SMOS, ahead of NOAA-19.
help CYGNSS (constellation) FAQ
What does the CYGNSS satellite constellation measure?
CYGNSS (Cyclone Global Navigation Satellite System) measures ocean surface wind speeds in tropical regions using reflected GPS signals. This innovative technique allows the satellites to see through heavy rain that would normally obscure wind measurements during tropical cyclones.
How many satellites make up the CYGNSS constellation?
The CYGNSS constellation consists of eight microsatellites working together as a system. Each small spacecraft receives GPS signals reflected off the ocean surface to measure wind conditions across the tropics.
When and how was CYGNSS launched?
CYGNSS was launched on December 15, 2016, from Cape Canaveral, Florida, aboard a Pegasus XL rocket. The Pegasus XL is an air-launched rocket that is dropped from beneath an aircraft before igniting its engines to reach orbit.
Who developed the CYGNSS mission?
CYGNSS was developed by the University of Michigan for NASA. The mission represents a new approach to Earth observation, using a constellation of smaller, less expensive satellites rather than a single large spacecraft.
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