This satellite constellation transformed earth science by creatively tuning in to GPS signals

Astrobitica July 2, 2026 (Last updated: July 2, 2026) 1 minute read

When NASA’s Cyclone Global Navigation Satellite System (CYGNSS) launched in 2016, the University of Michigan Engineering researchers did not anticipate it would revolutionize earth science. While they aimed to enhance hurricane forecasting, the system’s capacity to detect reflected GPS signals has shown utility for various other applications.

When NASA’s Cyclone Global Navigation Satellite System, or CYGNSS, launched into orbit in 2016, none of the University of Michigan Engineering researchers who developed the system expected it to transform earth science. They certainly had high hopes for the system’s original mission to improve hurricane forecasting, but its ability to pick up reflected GPS signals also proved useful for much more.