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Prelaunch performance of the NASA altimeter for the TOPEX/POSEIDON projectValidation 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.
Document ID
19930060286
Acquisition Source
Legacy CDMS
Document Type
Reprint (Version printed in journal)
External Source(s)
Authors
Marth, Paul C.
(NASA Wallops Flight Facility Wallops Island, VA, United States)
Jensen, J. R.
(NASA Wallops Flight Facility Wallops Island, VA, United States)
Kilgus, Charles C.
(NASA Wallops Flight Facility Wallops Island, VA, United States)
Perschy, James A.
(NASA Wallops Flight Facility Wallops Island, VA, United States)
Macarthur, John L.
(Johns Hopkins Univ. Laurel, MD, United States)
Hancock, David W.
(NASA Wallops Flight Facility Wallops Island, VA, United States)
Hayne, George S.
(NASA Wallops Flight Facility Wallops Island, VA, United States)
Purdy, Craig L.
(NASA Wallops Flight Facility Wallops Island, VA, United States)
Rossi, Laurence C.
(NASA Wallops Flight Facility Wallops Island, VA, United States)
Koblinsky, Chester J.
(NASA Goddard Space Flight Center Greenbelt, MD, United States)
Date Acquired
August 16, 2013
Publication Date
March 1, 1993
Publication Information
Publication: IEEE Transactions on Geoscience and Remote Sensing
Volume: 31
Issue: 2
ISSN: 0196-2892
Subject Category
Spacecraft Instrumentation
Accession Number
93A44283
Distribution Limits
Public
Copyright
Other

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