What's Next?Katzberg said a future

What's Next?

Katzberg said a future step will be the ability to measure the direction of the wind with such remote sensing techniques. He said work with optical frequencies is showing promise, although the data is not yet conclusive.

In 2016, NASA will be launching the Cyclone Global Navigation Satellite System to expand the capability of GPS for global remote sensing of ocean surface winds.

But to Katzberg, the holy grail would be using signals that are stronger than GPS, like those used to transmit satellite radio and television. With stronger signals, scientists can get much better performance and resolution of what they are studying, he said.

The Sirius or XM satellite radio signal is 10,000 times more powerful than a GPS signal, he said. "We've just cracked open the door with using these 'signals of opportunity' now, but the next step is what can you do with all these other frequencies," said Katzberg.