System design and advanced technology development for a lightweight, low cost, satellite radar altimeter

A lightweight (16.1 kg), low-power (35-W) small satellite radar altimeter suitable for launch on a Pegasus launch vehicle is described. The altimeter is capable of measuring ocean surface height with a precision of 3.5 cm from an altitude of 800 km. Risk reduction is achieved by the use of nondevelopmental items and devices.<
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