Phase B and breadboard results for the TOPEX POSEIDON FOLLOW-ON mission

Abstract

Pursuing the successful TOPEX POSEIDON altimetry mission, activities for the follow-on program are in progress. ALCATEL ESPACE completes the phase B of the next generation altimeter funded by the French Space Agency (CNES). The main evolution with respect to the former POSEIDON-1 rely upon the dual frequency (Ku & C bands) operation, and the doubled processed range depth within the same mass and power budgets. The altimeter design and development resulting from study and breadboarding activities are presented with regards to the function requirements and also the expected altimeter performances.