Obtaining and Processing Metops B and NOAA-18/-19 Satellite Data Using a Flat Panel Polar Orbiting Satellite Tracking Antenna

Weather satellite data retrieval is a key aspect in weather monitoring, modeling and forecasting. In this research work we mount in the city of El Paso a flat panel polar orbiting satellite tracking antenna coupled to a software defined receiver (SDR) for data retrieval and processing for both NOAA and Metops satellites, using open-source code. Through the data collected at this ground station, and the use of the new AWIPS II system, we will have a better understanding of how the weather affects the aerosol loading in the El Paso Del Norte region (PdN). In addition, the data collected could be assimilated into computer models, such as the Weather Research Forecast Model (WRF). The in-house antenna will allow us to obtain environmental data in real time and to respond pro-actively to the presence of storms or other threatening phenomena in the PdN region. Potential applications might include dust storm predication when real-time weather data is coupled with soil moisture models.