MMICs and Remote Sensing Science Instruments - A Technology Success Story

Developments in GaAs and InP transistor technology has had a large impact on science. With low noise and high frequency performance, these devices have revolutionized radio astronomy and Earth science, and changed the way that space science missions are designed and implemented. MMIC integration has shortened mission development times and enabling missions to be efficiently implemented in a cost-constrained environment. MMICs have also enabled a new generation of receiver arrays, creating a paradigm shift in experimental design. Some of this history will be discussed, citing specific examples of technology insertion and the impact on science.