We presented our research results at the American Meteorological Society(AMS) regarding “the Japanese Balloon-Borne Radiosondes (hereinafter referred to as the videosonde) for Cloud/Precipitation Particle Imaging Measurements: Scientific Overview and Re-Modeling Plan to Migrate Radio Wave Frequency from 1,680 MHz to 400 MHz,” which has been conducted under contract with Japan’s Ministry of Internal Affairs and Communications since 2019. his presentation includes the results of trial measurements using the test equipment developed this year. Cloud /Precipitation particle images were previously transmitted in the 1,680 MHz band. The newly developed videosonde transmits the images in the 400 MHz band., This will enable the effective use of radio waves in this band in the future and will increase the number of users.

In the test measurements, we were able to successfully transmit images of water droplets, ice, and other particles several tens of micrometers in size in clouds at a distance of 150 kilometers. The videosonde is expected to help calibrate meteorological radars and improve meteorological models. Next year, we plan to conduct verification trials in various parts of Japan with the aim of commercializing this videosonde.