BackForward Satellite Programme: Cyclone Global Navigation Satellite System 

Programme details
Programme description
  • Constellation of 8 satellite equipped with GPS receivers for the direct signal from GPS and the signal reflected by the sea surface.  The spread of the two signals is related to the sea-surface wind speed.
  • USA programme: NASA responsible of development and operations.
  • The platforms are 3-axis stabilised.
  • The design lifetime of the satellites is 5 years (2 years + extensions).
  • The satellites exploit a low-inclination orbit (all 8 satellites in the same plane).
  • See detailed description here
Data circulation
  • Data are downlinked to NASA stations; the CYGNSS Science Data Center is responsible of processing and distribution.
Agencies NASA
Programme lifetime 2016 - 2026
Associated satellites and instruments

Note: red tag => no longer operational , green tag => operational , blue tag => planned