Conceptual Framework for a Program of Remote Sensing of the Oceans, 1996–2015

Abstract

The economic, scientific, defense, and ecological interests of Russia, progress in the development of remote sensing methods, as well as increased operating costs and forced downsizing of the Russian research fleet mandate the accelerated development of oceanic research from space. The fundamentals of a plan for the development of such research during 1996-2015 are outlined and a three-stage program, ending with the organization of a Russian Oceanological Satellite System (ROSS), is proposed. The proposed conception is based on Meteor-3 and Resurs-Arktika satellites and on traditional remote sensing methods and continuing research being conducted in Russia.