Earth and ocean dynamics staellites and systems - an overview
- Paper ID
IAF-75-25
- author
- company
International Astronautical Federation
- year
1975
- abstract
The purpose of this introductory overview is to provide a possible guide for future IAF session activities in the general area of Earth and Ocean Dynamics, application satellites, ground systems, their necessary analytical tools and software. Some of these topics have been discussed in two previous IAF papers, but this is the first time that a serious and concentrated effort in this rather new area of space applications is to be made. The major potentials of these earth oriented Earth and Ocean Satellite and Systems objectives is in the area of "utilization" of space science and technology. This is to help and further geophysical exploration, earthquake hazard assessment, synoptic monitoring of the dynamics of the earth and oceans, the exploration of the polar ice regions and the refinements of the earth's gravitational and magnetic fields. These objectives have practical usage in such applications disciplines as protection of life and property, protection and prevention of disasters, exploration of mineral and energy resources, the shipping and fishing industry, coastal zone construction and off-shore drillings. It is evident that rather large economical benefits will result by achieving the above objectives. It is, however, very difficult at this time to determine a real monetary value for the benefits expected. Fortunately, some work has already been performed in the past years. Methods have developed, ground and flight systems have been constructed, operated and launched to satisfy at least some of the elements mentioned before. Geomagnetic spacecraft launched by the U. S. (OGOs) and the USSR (COSMOSs) have contributed to the construction of world magnetic field maps important for geologic studies. Other spacecraft, together with precision ground tracking systems (range and range rate, Doppler, LASER, Very Long Baseline Interferometer), have been used to develop rather sophisticated earth gravity models and geoids important to such applications as tectonic motion and earthquake studies, future global geophysical explorations and sea current studies. The Skylab and Nimbus missions contributed to the development of ocean surface wave and wind field models, sea surface temperature fields, ice fields and details of the ocean topography, to quote a few specific examples. The real intent of this paper is, as mentioned, to show one hand of some typical examples of how these applications objectives can be achieved. It is hoped that it will provide and act as a catalyst and driver for future IAF sessions to come in this area of space applications.