BackForward Satellite Programme: Satellite with ARgos and ALtiKa 

Programme details
Programme description
  • Single-satellite experimental programme, for ocean observation.
  • Joint French-Indian programme: CNES responsible of development and operation of the instruments, ISRO of platform, launcher and system operations.
  • The platform is actively stabilised over 3 axes.
  • The design life time is 5 years.
  • The satellite exploits the same sunsynchronous orbit of Envisat, to provide continuity to the RA-2 mission.
  • See detailed description at http://smsc.cnes.fr/SARAL.
Data circulation
  • Data stored onboard and transmitted to receiving stations belonging to CNES and ISRO or operating for them (e.g., Kiruna).
  • Scientific data mostly processed by CNES.
Agencies CNES , ISRO
Programme lifetime 2013 - 2024
Associated satellites and instruments

Note: red tag => no longer operational , green tag => operational , blue tag => planned