GEO SAT
Abstract
This project provides a Polar-orbiting satellite (the Geodetic/geophysical Satellite (GEOSAT) Follow-On 2 (GFO-2)) that measures sea surface topography using a precise altimeter. Mission data will be collected by the Spacecraft Operations Center and passed to the Payload Operations Center, and Altimetry Data Fusion Center, which are co-located at the Naval Oceanographic Office, Stennis Space Center, MS. Mission data is used in global and regional scale ocean forecast models. GFO-2 will provide a capability for precise mesoscale (e.g., fronts and eddies) and basin-scale oceanography. This capability will support tactical anti-submarine warfare, mine warfare, naval special warfare mission planning, tactical decision aids, and sensor/weapon performance prediction. GFO-2 will also provide an undersea warfare battlespace characterization capability that supports submarine detectability, weapon settings, sound velocity profiles, tropical cyclone intensity, and track forecasts. GFO-2 data will be made freely available to other agencies, such as the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration and the National Aeronautics and Space Administration, who value its input to studies involving global warming and climate change, including El Nino Southern Oscillation effects. Ocean topography data was previously provided by GEOSAT from 1985 until the satellite failed in January 1990. The Geodetic/geophysical Satellite Follow-On satellite was launched in February 1998 and deorbited in November 2008. The GEOSAT GFO-2 will provide for the continuation of this capability. The Navy has delayed all Geodetic/geophysical Satellite (GEOSAT) Follow-On 2 (GFO-2) altimetry satellite development efforts until FY 2014.
Document Details
- Document Type
- Project
- Publication Date
- Oct 01, 2013
- Source ID
- 1452_0305160N_7_1319_PB_2013
Related Documents
- Root: Navy Meteorological and Ocean Sensors-Space(METOC)
- Child Accomplishment: GEO SAT