SMAP Instrument

Description: The deployable mesh reflector is offset from nadir and rotates about the nadir axis at 14.6 rpm, providing a conically scanning antenna beam with a surface incidence angle of 40°. The 6 m (20 foot) antenna is made of gold-coated mesh. The gold-colored feedhorn sends out radar pings and receives radar returns. It also collects microwave emission from the same points Earth's surface for the radiometer.