| The AltiKa project developed by the French Centre National d'Etudes Spatiales is based on a wide-band Ka-band altimeter (35.75 GHz). The technical characteristic of the instrument will offer higher performance both in terms of spatial and vertical resolution that will lead to improved observation of ice, coastal areas, inland waters and wave height. An Indian Space Research Organization satellite, Saral will embark the AltiKa altimeter. The launch is scheduled at the end of 2010. The major drawback of Ka band use is the attenuation of the radar signal by atmospheric liquid water. Clouds and rain effects will thus be a strong constraining factor, because the altimeter link budget imposes an attenuation of less than 3 dB. The impact of rain and clouds on... |
