Improved data telemetry and location via satellite for ocean environment applications

Technological advances and engineering improvements have increased the ability to collect data in ocean environments. The Argos system has provided the ocean community with global data telemetry and geolocation capabilities for over 15 years. Many programs, including those of the World Ocean Circulation Experiment (WOCE) and the Tropical Ocean/Global Atmosphere program (TOGA), have successfully used Argos for observational activities. Argos has undergone significant enhancement to address the varied requirements of users worldwide. This includes establishing regional and global processing centers, developing application-specific software, and improving methods of data dissemination. More enhancements are planned to meet user requirements through the 1990s and into the next century. For example, equipment carried aboard future satellites will more than triple current capacity of the system. Frequency measurement accuracy and receiver sensitivity will increase thereby improving accuracy of geographic positioning. This paper discusses Argos use in ocean environments and enhancements to prepare Argos for the future