GSSR V RTLS: Venus Radar Echo Power and Altimetry, 1972-1988

Goldstone Solar System Radar observations of Venus from 1972 until 1988. The data consist of radar scaled backscatter cross sections in image format and, in most cases, associated altimetry observations acquired over 52 separate observing runs. Observations cover the region between approximately 260 degrees to 30 degrees east longitude, within approximately 20 degrees of the equator.

Use Cases

• Mapping Venusian surface backscatter properties based on radar cross-section images.
• Analyzing topographic variations based on associated altimetry observations.
• Studying long-term surface feature changes based on data spanning 16 years.
• Developing geospatial models of Venus based on Mercator-projected data covering a specific equatorial region.

Strengths

• Data spans 16 years of observations from 1972 to 1988.
• Acquired over 52 separate observing runs, suggesting repeated measurements.
• Covers a specific longitudinal region (260° to 30° E) near the equator of Venus.

Limitations

• Column-level documentation is absent; field semantics must be inferred after download.
• Row count is unknown, which may limit suitability assessment.

Provenance

Source

National Aeronautics and Space Administration

Collection Method

Goldstone Solar System Radar observations using opposite sense circular polarization and a two or three station interferometric system for altimetry.

Time Range

1972 until 1988

Freshness

Last updated 2026-03-13 05:34:02.461300; freshness should be verified

Geography

Venus, region between approximately 260 degrees to 30 degrees east longitude, within approximately 20 degrees of the equator.