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Dr. Kazi Kutubuddin Sayyad Liyakat,
Heena T Shaikh,
- HOD and Professor, Department of Electronics and Telecommunication Engineering, BMIT, Solapur, Maharashtra, India
- Associate Professor, Department of Electronics and Telecommunication Engineering, BMIT, Solapur, Maharashtra, India
Abstract
To understand the Earth from space, one must look beyond the visible eye. While optical satellites rely on the Sun’s reflection much like the human eye they are frequently blinded by the curtain of cloud cover, smoke, or the dark veil of night. To bypass these limitations, we turn to Microwave Satellite Sensing. By utilizing electromagnetic waves with wavelengths ranging from 1 millimeter to 1 meter, we can see through the atmosphere, measuring the physical properties of the land, ocean, and ice. Microwave remote sensing has revolutionized our ability to monitor the Earth’s surface by providing data that is independent of solar illumination and cloud cover. Unlike optical sensors, which rely on reflected sunlight, microwave systems specifically Synthetic Aperture Radar (SAR) and passive radiometers transmit and receive backscattered energy in the microwave spectrum. This paper explores the core principles of microwave satellite sensing, highlighting its unique capability to penetrate atmospheric moisture, smoke, and darkness. The study examine the interaction of microwave signals with surface characteristics such as dielectric constant, roughness, and moisture content. Furthermore, the paper discusses current applications in soil moisture mapping, oceanic wind vector retrieval, and cryospheric monitoring, demonstrating how microwave sensing provides critical insights into global environmental variables.
Keywords: Synthetic Aperture Radar (SAR), Microwave Radiometry, Backscatter, Earth Observation, Remote Sensing, Dielectric Constant.
Dr. Kazi Kutubuddin Sayyad Liyakat, Heena T Shaikh. An Overview on Microwave Remote Sensing for Earth Observation. Research & Reviews : Journal of Space Science & Technology. 2026; 15(01):-.
Dr. Kazi Kutubuddin Sayyad Liyakat, Heena T Shaikh. An Overview on Microwave Remote Sensing for Earth Observation. Research & Reviews : Journal of Space Science & Technology. 2026; 15(01):-. Available from: https://journals.stmjournals.com/rrjosst/article=2026/view=240913
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Research & Reviews : Journal of Space Science & Technology
| Volume | 15 |
| 01 | |
| Received | 18/04/2026 |
| Accepted | 22/04/2026 |
| Published | 25/04/2026 |
| Publication Time | 7 Days |
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