The Navy GEOSAT follow-on altimeter - A true dual use technology

The Navy GEOSAT (Geophysical/Geodetic Satellite) Mission (1985-1990) demonstrated the feasibility and value of satellite altimetry. The GEOSAT Follow-On (GFO) altimeter mission is the first operational program to carry on the GEOSAT exact repeat mission. GFO is designed for an 8 year mission life. The total satellite mass is less than 350 kg.. The GFO payload consists of an advanced solid state radar altimeter, a co-boresighted water vapor radiometer, GPS receivers, doppler beacon, and a laser retro-reflector. The mission of GFO is to support Navy ocean science and ocean monitoring; it also supports NOAA, NASA, and University ocean monitoring thus making it a true dual use technology. The GFO radar altimeter will achieve the GEOSAT measurement capability, but at one-third the weight and one-half the power (61 pounds, including antenna, and 71 watts). The GFO altimeter uses the same proven system design as the GEOSAT radar altimeter, but takes advantage of current RF and digital signal processing technologies to produce an instrument that is both light-weight and reliable. Analysis of the range, waveheight, and back-scattering cross section performance indicates that the GFO altimeter will achieve the GEOSAT performance in all areas.