The NASA S-band Dual Polarimetric Radar (NPOL) uses a 850 kW magnetron transmitter and an 8.5 m parabolic antenna to transmit radiation at 2.7 to 2.8 GHz (S-band) with a 0.95° beamwidth. “Dual polarimetric” means that the NPOL can transmit pulses at two orientations, horizontal and vertical. These measurements allow the radar to identify precipitation type and other microphysical characteristics. NPOL is also a Doppler radar, meaning it can resolve wind velocities within precipitation. NPOL has equivalent capabilities to the Doppler radars of the U.S. National Weather Service’s Next Generation Weather Radar (NEXRAD) network. However, in contrast to the stationary NEXRAD radars, NPOL is one of two completely transportable research-grade S-band systems in the world. NASA’s NPOL weather radar is used for various NASA field campaigns.
