Evaluation of GPM DPR Precipitation Products After Orbit Boost Using Disdrometers in Italy

Precipitation measurements are crucial for improving climate models and weather forecasting, with satellite-based radar systems, such as the Dual Precipitation Radar (DPR) on board the Global Precipitation Measurement Core Observatory (GPM CO), playing a pivotal role in enhancing observational coverage, especially in remote regions. In November 2023, an orbit boost maneuver raised the GPM CO’s altitude from 400 km to 435 km, potentially influencing the quality of DPR data. This study evaluates the impact of this altitude increase on the accuracy of DPR-derived precipitation products by comparing data acquired before and after the orbit boost. We assess the performance of DPR measurements against ground-based laser disdrometer data collected in Italy between May 2018 and November 2024. The results highlight the effects of the altitude change on rainfall retrievals, contributing to a better understanding of how orbital adjustments can affect satellite-based precipitation observations.

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Publication Details

Journal
IEEE Geoscience and Remote Sensing Letters
Published
2025-11-28
DOI
https://doi.org/10.1109/lgrs.2025.3638692
Primary Topic
Precipitation Measurement and Analysis
Type
article
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Evaluation of GPM DPR Precipitation Products After Orbit Boost Using Disdrometers in Italy

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Evaluation of GPM DPR Precipitation Products After Orbit Boost Using Disdrometers in Italy

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article en

Abstract

Precipitation measurements are crucial for improving climate models and weather forecasting, with satellite-based radar systems, such as the Dual Precipitation Radar (DPR) on board the Global Precipitation Measurement Core Observatory (GPM CO), playing a pivotal role in enhancing observational coverage, especially in remote regions. In November 2023, an orbit boost maneuver raised the GPM CO’s altitude from 400 km to 435 km, potentially influencing the quality of DPR data. This study evaluates the impact of this altitude increase on the accuracy of DPR-derived precipitation products by comparing data acquired before and after the orbit boost. We assess the performance of DPR measurements against ground-based laser disdrometer data collected in Italy between May 2018 and November 2024. The results highlight the effects of the altitude change on rainfall retrievals, contributing to a better understanding of how orbital adjustments can affect satellite-based precipitation observations.

IEEE Geoscience and Remote Sensing LettersVol. 23
Agenzia Regionale per la Protezione Ambientale del Piemonte (IT), Parthenope University of Naples (IT), University of L'Aquila (IT), Wallops Flight Facility (US), Institute of Atmospheric Sciences and Climate (IT), Institute of Electronics, Computer and Telecommunication Engineering (IT), Instituto de Geofísica y Astronomía (CU), National Research Council (IT), Politecnico di Milano (IT)
Openalex Percentile: Top 58%
Precipitation Measurement and Analysis
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