Tracking pelagic dolphins by satellite
Abstract
Two dolphins fitted with transmitter packs were tracked by plane and satellite for 1 week. The plane was equipped with a receiver similar to that onboard the satellite, but modified to serve as an automatic direction finder. Ground truth was collected from the plane during the orbits. The transmitter pack prototype weighed 907 gm and was packaged in 2 cylinders, measuring 17.5 x 5 cm. To conserve batteries, the units were clocked on daily for 4 hr, corresponding to the best satellite orbits. The 1 W antenna was mounted on a pedestal. Satellite position determinations are 2 to 10 km from actual locations. The packs must be reduced in diameter for longterm application to pelagic dolphins.
- Publication:
-
NASA STI/Recon Technical Report N
- Pub Date:
- 1981
- Bibcode:
- 1981STIN...8524364J
- Keywords:
-
- Dolphins;
- Radio Telemetry;
- Satellite Tracking;
- Wildlife Radiolocation;
- Nimbus 6 Satellite;
- Prototypes;
- Radio Direction Finders;
- Technology Assessment;
- Space Communications, Spacecraft Communications, Command and Tracking