Space-Based Ocean Remote Sensing-Capabilities And Deficiencies In The 1980's

Remotely sensed ocean measurements from space were first made, in a concerted way, by SEASAT in 1978. Since that time, several domestic initiatives have been considered such as the National Oceanic Satellite System (NOSS) and the current U.S. Navy analysis of a mission identified as the Navy-Remote Ocean Sensing System (N-ROSS). These and other domestic and foreign efforts have evolved in order to match sensor capabilities with applications and measurement requirements. Recently, an effort has been made to thoroughly describe for the U.S. Navy the currently available and developmental technology in remote sensing from space of the ocean environment. This technology will be referred to as "space-sensing" in this paper. The purpose of the study was to assess the existing and planned capabilities within the context of Navy requirements. Emphasis is placed on a horizon of approximately 15 years for the availability of what will be referred to as developmental technology. This paper provides only an overview of this analysis. The complete report, tentatively entitled Environmental Satellite Systems Program for Naval Oceanography, is currently in review by the Director, Naval Oceanography Division, Chief of Naval Operations (the Oceanographer of the Navy).