OSCAR
Observing Systems Capability Analysis and Review Tool
Login
Home
Observation Requirements
Space-based Capabilities
Surface-based Capabilities
Analysis
Overview
Programmes
Satellites
Instruments
Frequencies
Agencies
Satellite Status
Gap Analyses
No JavaScript detected
Usage of this Website will be severly limited without JavaScript. Please enable JavaScript in your Browser.
Satellite Programme: Geodetic Satellite
Programme details
Programme description
Series of two satellites for ocean altimetry
USA programme: US Navy responsible of the programme, with support from NASA and NOAA for operations.
Platforms stabilised over 3 axes, either by gravity gradient (GEOSat) or actively (GFO).
Design life time: 3 years (GEOSat) and 8 years (GFO).
High-inclination drifting orbits.
Replacement policy: launches at roughly 3-year intervals.
See detailed description at
https://directory.eoportal.org/missions/geosat
and
https://directory.eoportal.org/missions/gfo
Data circulation
Onboard stored data downlinked to CONUS (Continental United States) ground sites and transferred for processing to the NavOceano Altimetry Data Fusion Center (ADFC) located at NASA's Stennis Space Center, Mississippi.
Ships of the US Navy may receive data in real-time.
Agencies
DoD
,
NASA
Programme lifetime
1985 - 2008
Associated satellites and instruments
Note: red tag => no longer operational , green tag => operational , blue tag => planned
Geodetic Satellite
GEOSat
(1985-1990)
GRA
GFO
(1998-2008)
GFO-RA
LRA
TRSR
WVR