GFO

American oceanorgraphic radar satellite. GFO was a follow-on to the successful GEOSAT program which flew between 1985 and 1990. GFO was to provide real-time ocean topography data to 65 Navy users at sea and on shore. Altimetry satellite built by Ball Aerospace for US Navy, USA. Launched 1998. Used the BCP-600 (formerly called Techstar) bus.

This data on wave heights, currents and fronts would also be archived and made available to scientific and commercial users through NOAA.

The GFO contract was awarded in September 1992 and was worth $46M for the first satellite and $115M if options for two additional spacecraft were exercised. These costs included launch, ground software and 60 days operation. The contract included incentive fees based on long-term on-orbit performance. The spacecraft was 3-axis stabilized. A single solar array with 1-axis articulation provided power. The hydrazine propulsion system was used for orbit maintenance. Redundant GPS receivers provided precise orbit determination with an rms accuracy (radial component) of 10 cm. A Doppler beacon transmitter was also carried to support orbit determination. A radar altimeter was the primary payload. This 13.5 GHz radar provided 3.5 cm height measurement precision. The other payload was a dual frequency (22 and 37 GHz) water vapor passive radiometer with a path correction accuracy of 1.9 cm rms. Total payload was 47 kg and 121 watts.