Land-Ocean-Climate Satellite System - LOCSS

Based on earth observation and climate research requirements a combined Land-Ocean-Climate Satellite System (LOCSS) is defined. It comprises a minimum of three satellites operating simultaneously in different orbits: Two satellites, LOCS-A and LOCS-B, carry combined earth sciences-climatology payloads in sun-synchronous circular orbits at altitudes of 812 km and 713 km, respectively, with equator passages at 11 h/23 h and about 5 h/17 h local time, respectively. The third satellite, CS-X, will perform purely climatic tasks. It has a 57 deg inclination orbit with drifting times of equator passage. The payload selection made is to serve as a model and is mainly intended to define realistic boundary conditions for the mission and the feasibility problems of the satellites; the instruments are to be regarded as representatives of their classes.