Rongowai:
Partnering to fly the Next-generation of Global Navigation Satellite System Receivers for Advancing Earth Observation

ABOUT

Rongowai

In the Rongowai (sensing water) project, a next-generation Global Navigation Satellite Systems Reflectometry (GNSS-R) sensor is being mounted on an Air New Zealand Q300 aircraft, enabling greatly improved observations of soil moisture and inundation dynamics. The observations will provide an unprecedented high spatial and temporal resolution, wide-coverage measurements for analysis of soil moisture and inundation dynamics across New Zealand’s diverse landscapes. The mission will test a follow-on sensor for NASA’s CyGNSS mission, which is comprised of 8 Low Earth Orbiting spacecraft that receive both direct and reflected signals from GPS satellites. Here, we will test a new version of the sensors used on the CyGNSS satellites, which include additional signal frequencies and will incorporate Galileo (E.U.) GNSS satellites in addition to GPS.

 

The GRI is working with the University of Auckland, in partnership with Air New Zealand and the University of Michigan, Ohio State University and the University Corporation for Atmospheric Research (UCAR). We will be working with the data obtained to develop and test algorithms for retrieval of soil moisture and surface inundation extent.

Project Team: Prof. Delwyn Moller (Project lead, University of Auckland), Prof. Matthew Wilson (GRI)

 

This map shows expected annual coverage, based on simulated data using observed operations of one Q300 aircraft. Over the course of one year, observations will cover a large proportion of New Zealand, with the exact timings dependent on Air New Zealand scheduling and operations. A high density of observations (over 500 per year) occur close to regular flight routes, particularly close to airports. Areas without coverage are away from areas of aircraft operations, or as a result of signals being blocked by topography, such as along the west coast of the South Island.
This map shows expected annual coverage, based on simulated data using observed operations of one Q300 aircraft. Over the course of one year, observations will cover a large proportion of New Zealand, with the exact timings dependent on Air New Zealand scheduling and operations. A high density of observations (over 500 per year) occur close to regular flight routes, particularly close to airports. Areas without coverage are away from areas of aircraft operations, or as a result of signals being blocked by topography, such as along the west coast of the South Island.
During each flight, the sensors on-board the Air New Zealand Q300 aircraft will record direct and reflected signals from up to 20 GNSS satellites simultaneously. The signals will form several transects from which we will be able to estimate soil moisture and surface water extent.
During each flight, the sensors on-board the Air New Zealand Q300 aircraft will record direct and reflected signals from up to 20 GNSS satellites simultaneously. The signals will form several transects from which we will be able to estimate soil moisture and surface water extent.
Dates

January 2020 - December 2022

Funding source

MBIE Catalyst Strategic Fund (Space)

Project Partners

  • The University of Auckland
  • Air New Zealand
  • The University of Michigan
  • The Ohio State University
  • University Corporation for Atmospheric Research

CATEGORY
Geospatial Analysis, Remote Sensing