The ERS-1 (ESA Remote Sensing Satellite) Programme of the European Space Agency: Its Applications to Mineral and Marine Resources, Meteorology, Climatology, and Oceanography,
Abstract
In October 1981, the Member States of the European Space Agency decided to initiate the first ESA Remote Sensing Satellite (ERS-1) Programme. The first mission is oriented towards ice and ocean monitoring and the main mission objectives are of both scientific and economic nature: to increase the scientific understanding of coastal zones and ocean processes: and to develop and promote economic applications related to a better knowledge of ocean parameters and sea-state conditions. The payload of ERS-1 is composed of: (1) an Active Microwave Instrumentation (AMI), combining the functions of a Synthetic Aperture Radar (SAR), a Wave Scatterometer and a Wind Scatterometer, primarily for the measurement of wind field and wave-spectra and for all-weather imaging; (2) a Radar Altimeter (RA), primarily for the measurement of significant wave heights and of major ocean currents; and (3) an additional instrument to be selected as a result of an Announcement of Opportunity issued in the scientific community of the participating States. The paper presents the different parameters to be extracted from the system and their potential contributions to the effective utilisation of remote sensing techniques in the fields of petroleum of remote sensing techniques in the fields of petroleum and mineral resources, meteorology, climatology, oceanography and marine resources. (Author)
Document Details
- Document Type
- Technical Report
- Publication Date
- Jun 01, 1982
- Accession Number
- ADP002002
Entities
People
- C. Honvault
Organizations
- European Space Agency