The main objective of this activity is to develop algorithms for data analysis of space borne passive microwave sensors (e.g. radiometers) for detection, localization and mitigation of Radio Frequency Interference (RFI) emissions within protected bands, generated from ground or space borne emitters. In particular the activity shall identify the procedures to permit: a) A controlled degradation of the retrieval of physical parameters from channels affected by RFI b) The assessment of EO data integrity, for the assimilation process performed by Numerical Weather Prediction systems.In short it will try to give guidelines on operation and data analysis of EO missions to minimise disruption due to RFI.

The issue of Radio Frequency Interference (RFI) generated by artificial sources is an increasing problem. Areas affected by the radio spectrum pollution include: Earth Observation using passive and active microwave remote sensing, ground based remote sensing of the atmosphere, space based radio experiments and radiostronomical observations.The current level of RFI contamination on ground based and spaceborne passive sensors is already an issue. Analysis of the AMSR-E, SMOS and reports from ground based earth atmospheric sites already reveal that in areas highly populated and industrially developed the level of man-made RFI can easily cover the weak signatures of natural sources (atmosphere, sea or land surface). As well Space Ground stations and Space Telescopes, even if located in remote areas, are experiencing more interference due to the concurrent increase of inhabitants and radio appliances.The use of protected bands is the main solution and the development frequency monitoring techniques is the only way to ensure that international regulations are respected. Nevertheless the risk of disruption of radio based observations is increasing (e.g. an atmospheric campaign or the radio navigation services for science missions).This situation has originated a number of studies that defined the statistical characteristics of RFI currently observed by space-borne passive sensors and signal processing techniques for detecting and separating RFI from natural signatures have been identified.The proposed study will address the issue of RFI detection and mitigation by starting from the experience gained on systems operating at L and X band and focussing on the projection effects operating at frequencies from Ka to W band (like the atmospheric sounders for post_EPS) to identify procedures and techniques to be used for frequency management and for assimilation of data into NWP systems. The new techniques shall be delivered in CDF compatible format.