The results of calibrating satellite altimetry measurements from the space geodetic system “GEO-IK-2” in the water area of the Rybinsk reservoir

Abstract

The authors present the results of satellite altimetry measurements calibration from the space geodetic system “GEO-IK-2” in the water area of the Rybinsk reservoir, obtained through two independent methods. In the first case, the altimetry measurements were calibrated by comparing the sea surface heights with respect to the reference ellipsoid, which were calculated from radio altimeter measurements, and from the processing of ground GNSS measurements performed at the sub-satellite point at the time of passing the GEO-IK-2 spacecraft. For this, in the summer of 2020, special geodetic measurements were carried out in the water area of the Rybinsk reservoir. The GNSS receiver was mounted on the Sea Buoy, which was towed by boat to the specified sub-satellite points, the coordinates of which were predetermined from the forecast of satellite orbits. At the same time, base stations for GNSS observations were installed on the coast. The largest difference in the sea surface height does not exceed 13,9 cm. The second method is cross-calibration by radio altimeter measurements from other altimetry spacecraft. In this case, the tracks of the first and second satellites within a relatively short time interval cross one common point, at which the sea surface height is determined. For this, the Jason-3 spacecraft was selected, the track of which was crossed by the GEO-IK-2 vehicle track on September 11, 2020 over the water area of the Rybinsk Reservoir. The difference in sea surface heights was 9,6 cm.