The Microwave Remote Sensing Laboratory (MIRSL): 45 Years of Microwave Radar and Radiometer Development With a Look at Today
Abstract
The Microwave Sensing Laboratory (MIRSL) at the University of Massachusetts in Amherst has a 45-year history of development, deployment and application of microwave instrumentation for studying the environment. In this article, the research, teaching and engagement missions of the lab are described and put into the context of current trends that are prevalent in the field. These trends manifest themselves through the wider incorporation of digital systems into microwave instrumentation as well the impact of multimodal (e.g. hyperspectral and microwave) remote sensing. The article concludes by describing ongoing projects for the remote sensing of the atmosphere, of snow, and other emerging opportunities that are occurring within MIRSL.
Fields of Study & Subjects
Soil Moisture and Remote Sensing
Synthetic Aperture Radar (SAR) Applications and Techniques
Radar Systems and Signal Processing
Publication details
- Journal / source
- IEEE Microwave Magazine
- Volume
- 27
- Issue
- 5
- Pages
- 70–79
- Publication date
- 16 February 2026
- Language
- EN