Prelaunch performance of the NASA altimeter for the TOPEX/POSEIDON project

Journal Article · Mon Mar 01 04:00:00 EST 1993 · IEEE Transactions on Geoscience and Remote Sensing (Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers); (United States)

DOI:https://doi.org/10.1109/36.214909· OSTI ID:7368871

Marth, P C; Jensen, J R; Kilgus, C C; Perschy, J A; MacArthur, J L ^[1]; Hancock, D W; Hayne, G S; Purdy, C L; Rossi, L C ^[2]; Koblinsky, C J ^[3]

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1. Johns Hopkins Univ., Laurel, MD (United States)
2. NASA Goddard Space Flight Center, Wallops Island, VA (United States)
3. NASA Goddard Space Flight Center, Greenbelt, MD (United States)

Validation of in-orbit performance has demonstrated the ability of satellite radar altimetry to measure mesoscale absolute dynamic sea surface topography and to measure the variation in the general circulation on the largest spatial scales. Measurements of basin scale mean circulation, however, have been corrupted by system inaccuracies. The TOPEX/POSEIDON radar altimeter satellite applies recent advances in remote sensing instrumentation to reduce long wavelength measurement errors to dramatically lower levels. The TOPEX altimeter measures the range to the ocean surface with 2-cm precision and accuracy through the use of both Ku- and C-band radars, a high pulse repetition frequency, an agile tracker, and absolute internal height calibration. Dual pulse bandwidths for both frequencies make it possible to quickly acquire the surface and begin tracking after crossing the land/ocean boundary. This paper presents the altimeter requirements and the elements of the altimeter design that have resulted in meeting these requirements. Prelaunch test data, based on the use of a Radar Altimeter System Evaluator to simulate the backscatter from the ocean surface, are presented to demonstrate that the TOPEX altimeter will meet these requirements and provide the data necessary to the understanding of basin scale mean circulation.

• OSTI ID: 7368871
• Journal Information: IEEE Transactions on Geoscience and Remote Sensing (Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers); (United States), Journal Name: IEEE Transactions on Geoscience and Remote Sensing (Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers); (United States) Vol. 31:2; ISSN IGRSD2; ISSN 0196-2892
• Country of Publication: United States
• Language: English

Related Subjects

54 ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCES
540310 -- Environment
Aquatic-- Basic Studies-- (1990-)
58 GEOSCIENCES
580000* -- Geosciences
ACCURACY
AERIAL MONITORING
ALTIMETERS
BACKSCATTERING
DESIGN
MEASURING INSTRUMENTS
MONITORING
NASA
NATIONAL ORGANIZATIONS
OCEANIC CIRCULATION
PERFORMANCE
PERFORMANCE TESTING
RADAR
RANGE FINDERS
REMOTE SENSING
RESEARCH PROGRAMS
SATELLITES
SCATTERING
SPECIFICATIONS
TESTING
US ORGANIZATIONS