Passive microwave remote sensing of the earth from space—A review

During the past decade, microwave radiometry from space has developed into a powerful technique for remote sensing of the earth´s atmosphere and surface. Passive microwave sensors on earth-orbiting satellites are beginning to make significant contributions to the fields of operational meteorology and oceanography. This paper reviews the development of microwave radiometry from space as a tool for several atmospheric and surface remote-sensing applications. The basic spacecraft radiometer system concepts are discussed and a description of the key individual sensors launched prior to 1981 is provided along with their significant results. Recent studies on new instrument designs and potential applications are summarized, and indicate the unique possibilities for future implementation of passive microwave techniques.