NASA´s Oceanic Remote Sensing Program: An Implementation Approach

The combination of GEOS-3, NIMBUS, and SEASAT have clearly demonstrated a capability for observing the oceans from space, and have allowed us to begin to apply remotely acquired data to the solution of oceanographic problems. Accordingly, we are now pursuing the implementation of a satellite ocean observing capability at minimum cost. Whether this be by obtaining data from other sources, deploying ocean sensors piggyback on other satellites, or where absolutely essential, flying a dedicated ocean satellite, the intent is to demonstrate the potential for routinely making satellite observations of the ocean and to thereby pave the way for the operational agencies to implement satellite ocean observing systems in the future.