Tags: Weather Satellite, GPS, Taiwan
Publication: Nature.com
Publication Date: 11/28/2012

Artist’s concept of Constellation Observing System for Meteorology, Ionosphere and Climate (COSMIC) now reaching the end of its life. Image credit: University Corporation for Atmospheric Research

As the US–Taiwanese Constellation Observing System for Meteorology, Ionosphere and Climate (COSMIC) fleet is reaching the end of its operational life, researches are considering a commercial successor that could aid the United States address the weather satellites communication gap expected in the next few years.

The Community Initiative for Cellular Earth Remote Observation (CICERO) is the name researches have given to the possible successor, a network of 24 micro-satellites. Using the GPS radio signals, COSMIC would use the length of the delay between Earth and space to measure atmospheric density. This could provide valuable information on changing temperatures and moisture levels to weather-monitoring agencies in the event of a blackout.

CICERO would track the 32 GPS satellites, the 24 spacecraft in the Russian Global Navigation Satellite System, and the 30 satellites from the upcoming European Galileo system, generating an unprecedented number of sounds per day. To solve the limitation of horizontal resolution, CICERO will surround the planet with sensors that allow observation along crossing sightlines, bolstering its value to forecasters.

CICERO is expected to be a private venture and then licensing its data to U.S. and international agencies.

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