The Polarimetric Scanning Radiometer (PSR) is a versatile aircraft-mounted microwave imaging radiometer developed for obtaining polarimetric microwave emission imagery of Earth's oceans, land, ice, clouds, and precipitation. Polarimetric data are helpful for resolving the finer details of imagery and determining the orientation of smaller structures. The device is mounted on gimbals, allowing it to be rotated to view any angle within about 70° elevation of nadir at any azimuthal angle.
PSR is the first airborne scanned polarimetric imaging radiometer suitable for post-launch satellite calibration and validation of a variety of spaceborne passive microwave sensors. PSR can be installed on NASA aircraft including the DC-8, P3-Orian, and WB-57.
