AltiKa: a Ka-band altimetry payload and system for operational altimetry during the GMES period

Type Article
Date 2006-03
Language English
Author(s) Vincent Patrick1, Steunou N2, Caubet E3, Phalippou L3, Rey L3, Thouvenot E2, Verron J4
Affiliation(s) 1 : IFREMER, F-92138 Issy Les Moulineaux, France.
2 : Ctr Natl Etud Spatiales, F-31401 Toulouse 9, France.
3 : Alcatel Alenia Space, F-31037 Toulouse 1, France.
4 : LEGI, UMR 5519, F-38041 Grenoble 9, France.
Source Sensors (1424-8220) (Molecular Diversity Preservation International), 2006-03 , Vol. 6 , N. 3 , P. 208-234
DOI 10.3390/s6030208
WOS© Times Cited 57
Note Special Issue on “Satellite Altimetry: New Sensors and New Application” Edited by Ge Chen and Graham D. Quartly
Keyword(s) altimeter, radiometer, ocean mesoscale circulation, Ka-band
Abstract This paper describes the Ka-band altimetry payload and system that has been studied for several years by CNES, ALCATEL SPACE and some science laboratories. Altimetry is one of the major elements of the ocean observing system to be made sustainable through the GEOSS ( Global Earth Observation System of Systems) and GMES ( Global Monitoring of the Environment and Security) programs. A short review of some mission objectives to be fulfilled in terms of mesoscale oceanography in the frame of the GEOSS and GMES programs is performed. To answer the corresponding requirements, the approach consisting in a constellation of nadir altimeter is discussed. A coupled Ka-band altimeter-radiometer payload is then described; technical items are detailed to explain how this payload shall meet the science and operational requirements, and expected performances are displayed. The current status of the payload development and flight perspectives are given.
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