Satellite Altimetry for Naval Oceanography

Abstract

New approaches to satellite altimetry will be needed to meet future naval tactical and strategic performance goals. This report considers advanced sampling strategies and increased measurement accuracies that will lead to improved operational geophysical products. Taking advantage of experience gained during the flight of the U.S. Navy's GEOSAT altimeter, this note discusses some of the problems encountered and recommends new approaches for future altimeter systems. In particular, the author strongly urges that exact-repeat track sampling be continued for the next decade. Optimum sampling for mesoscale features can be realistically accomplished with three altimeters flying at 7-day refresh periods with equidistant crosstrack spacing. More formal recommendations will come with the results of current studies using various configurations during mission simulations. It is also recommended that additional effort be invested in sea ice monitoring and in geophysical corrections.

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Document Details

Document Type
Technical Report
Publication Date
Nov 01, 1990
Accession Number
ADA231081

Entities

People

  • D. R. Johnson

Organizations

  • United States Naval Research Laboratory

Tags

Communities of Interest

  • Space

DTIC Thesaurus Topics

  • Artificial Satellites
  • Databases
  • Geography
  • Geometry
  • Grids
  • Image Processing
  • Latitude
  • Lepidoptera
  • Measurement
  • Meteorology
  • Naval Warfare
  • Navy
  • Ocean Currents
  • Oceanography
  • Ridges
  • Sea Water
  • Topography

Fields of Study

  • Environmental science

Readers

  • Coastal Oceanography
  • Space Exploration and Orbital Mechanics.
  • Systems Analysis and Design

Technology Areas

  • Space
  • Space - Satellites