In January 2015 NASA launched their Soil Moisture Active Passive (SMAP) satellite, fitted with a microwave radiometer (MWR), to measure soil moisture around Earth’s surface. This is a key instrument in the mission and delivers the SMAP satellite’s ability to accomplish its primary objective, to measure soil moisture. The purpose of this research is to investigate the primary components which make up a functioning radiometer, primarily on the analog side of the instrument. We were able to cover much of the research and groundwork to begin designing and running simulations. Our methods include extensive research into radiometer technology and implementation of knowledge gained to assemble a functioning radiometer to test, utilizing simulation software. Next steps include designing and testing informed and calculated changes to the circuit to analyze performance of a new original design compared to the previous. At the heart of this project is the desire to explore the research and development process (R&D). Some of the key components of our research’s radiometer have been assembled within a simulation software. Due to time constraints and limited access to resources, as a result of COVID-19’s impact on academic facilities and operations, we were unable to create a fully functioning simulation at this time. I hope to pick up where I left off on this project next year as I reapply for the SCORE grant in 2022.