Session 12 - 4

ARGOS SYSTEM EVOLUTION FOR ANIMAL TRACKING

M. Taillade
Collecte Localisation, Satellites 18 avenue E. Belin 31055 Toulouse, France.

The Argos Data Collection and Location Satellite System is operated under a partnership agreement between NOAA (National Oceanographic and Atmospheric Administration - U.S.A.) and CNES (Centre National d'Etudes Spatiales - France) to provide a worldwide in-situ environmental data collection and Doppler-derived location service.

One of the most significant use of Argos involves the location and collection of data associated with scientific programs that study animals (birds , marine and terrestrial animals) all over the world.

During late 1994, an independent survey of the major international users was conducted to obtain their perspective on Argos system capabilities.

Further clarification of Argos system User requirements was obtained through responses to an extensive Argos questionnaire that was distributed in mid-1995.

The results of the survey indicated that certain Argos system Users' requirements could only be addressed through modification of the satellite instrument along with associated changes in ground system management.

The User requirements are summarized as follows:
- Improve Satellite Coverage
- Increase Data Volume transmission capability
- Improve Satellite Receiver Sensitivity to reduce platform size and power requirements or enhance transmission         performance
- Allow to control platforms remotely by having a two-way communication capability with the satellite

The desirability of many of these improvements was anticipated by Argos, and this paper will present plans for the second generation (Argos-2) beginning in 1997.
Enhancements for the third Argos generation (Argos 3) beginning in 2001 are under discussion and are presented.

Keywords: Argos, Satellite, Animal, tracking, location, data collection