A compact dual-frequency altimeter for TOPEX-POSEIDON follow on mission

NASA and CNES are very anxious to pursue the TOPEX-POSEIDON mission. For that purpose, a joint ocean altimetry program compatible with small satellite constraints is now being studied. In this framework, ALCATEL ESPACE completed a phase-A study for CNES covering the design of a low resources (25 kg, 50 W) dual frequency altimeter as well as the penta-frequency antenna to be shared with a radiometer. That paper presents the design of that altimeter, highlighting key technological evolutions with respect to the former POSEIDON-1 altimeter. Expected performances based on simulations are also discussed.<
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