Research Seminar: Altimeter Methods for Interdisciplinary Satellite Geodesy

Satellite altimetry was conceptualized in the 1969 Williamstown, Massachusetts, in a future program entitled Solid Earth and Ocean Physics–Applications of Space and Astronomic Techniques [Kaula, 1969].  The first spaceborne laser altimeter experiments were carried out by Apollo 15, 16, and 17 (1971–1972) lunar missions.  GEOS-3 operated in 1975 deploying a radar altimeter, followed by Seasat in 1978 gathering global radar altimeter data for 3 months, Geosat (1985–1990) and Geosat-Followon (1998–2008).  Since then, satellite altimetry has evolved into a unique and operational geodetic remote sensing measurement system with multi-missions and multi-satellite constellations generating an unprecedented continuous global climate data record since 1991 with ERS-1, and the ‘gold standard’ dual-frequency radar altimeter TOPEX/Poseidon, encompassing over three decades and in decades to come. Satellite altimetry has fostered seminal research in interdisciplinary geodesy and Earth sciences, and with new technologies including SAR (bistatic radar), laser altimetry, and interferometric altimetry including wide swath instrument on SWOT, ICESat-1/-2 laser altimetry, and multi-band (L and other frequency bands) signals of opportunity and other international (NASA, CNES, ESA, China, others) missions planned, are poised to enhance additional research and applications.  This contribution shows examples of contemporary research and applications using a suite of satellite altimetry data and articulates the rationale to establish the International Association of Geodesy (IAG) International Altimetry Service (IAS).

Poster