Title :
A compact dual-frequency altimeter for TOPEX-POSEIDON follow on mission
Author :
Mavrocordatos, C. ; Gouénard, S. ; Richard, J. ; Raizonville, P. ; Escudier, P.
Author_Institution :
ALCATEL ESPACE, Toulouse, France
Abstract :
NASA and CNES are very anxious to pursue the TOPEX-POSEIDON mission. For that purpose, a joint ocean altimetry program compatible with small satellite constraints is now being studied. In this framework, ALCATEL ESPACE completed a phase-A study for CNES covering the design of a low resources (25 kg, 50 W) dual frequency altimeter as well as the penta-frequency antenna to be shared with a radiometer. That paper presents the design of that altimeter, highlighting key technological evolutions with respect to the former POSEIDON-1 altimeter. Expected performances based on simulations are also discussed
Keywords :
artificial satellites; oceanographic equipment; oceanographic techniques; radar applications; radar equipment; radar imaging; remote sensing; remote sensing by radar; spaceborne radar; ALCATEL ESPACE; CNES; NASA; POSEIDON 2; TOPEX-POSEIDON follow on mission; artificial satellite; compact dual-frequency altimeter; design; equipment instrumentation; joint ocean altimetry program; measurement technique; ocean sea surface height; penta-frequency antenna; radar remote sensing; radiometer; sea level; small satellite; Extraterrestrial measurements; Instruments; NASA; Oceans; Radiometry; Satellite broadcasting; Sea measurements; Sea surface; Signal to noise ratio; Spaceborne radar;
Conference_Titel :
Geoscience and Remote Sensing Symposium, 1994. IGARSS '94. Surface and Atmospheric Remote Sensing: Technologies, Data Analysis and Interpretation., International
Conference_Location :
Pasadena, CA
Print_ISBN :
0-7803-1497-2
DOI :
10.1109/IGARSS.1994.399123
