Satellite system for observing global topography

摘要

The radar interferometry system allows detection of ocean currents on earth's surface. It includes at least one transmitting satellite (E) and a constellation of receiving satellites (S). The receivers are strictly synchronous and their orbits have the same eccentricity, which differs from that of the transmitter orbit. During an orbital period, the satellites travel along a relative ellipse (G) over which they are regularly distributed. It is possible that the transmitter satellite is synchronous with the receiver satellites, and that the orbits are helio-synchronous. It is possible to use one or more groups of three satellite receivers, each group being placed in a corresponding concentric ellipse.