4.3.3.1.1. AltiKa

AltiKa is a K_a-band altimeter (35 GHz) developed by CNES that can be flown on a microsatellite or as an auxiliary passenger on other missions. Signal frequencies in the K_a-band will enable better observation of ice, rain, coastal zones, land masses (forests, etc.) and wave heights.

AltiKa is aiming to observe the ocean in as much detail and as accurately as current missions, only at lower cost, by flying the altimeter on a microsatellite that is cheaper to design, build and launch. Experience has shown that an altimetry platform must comprise an altimeter, radiometer and precise orbit determination system, with sufficient redundancy, as well as enough fuel to keep the satellite orbiting on a repeating ground track - at least with a 'conventional' altimetry mission.

The AltiKa altimeter will be a single-frequency Ka-band altimeter (operating at 35.75 GHz, weighing less than 20 kg and consuming less than 50 Watts). Alcatel Space developed a Ka-band altimeter between 1998 and 2000 which was based on the same technologies as those used for the Poseidon-1 and Poseidon-2 altimeters.