Satellite telemetry

Hydrologic application of satellite data collection systems in Brazil is discussed. The Data Collection Platform (DCP) is a telemetry station used for the acquisition of environmental parameters. Artificial satellites are employed to relay the data to receiving centers. Two meteorologic satellite data collection systems are in operation in Brazil: the ARGOS system, on board low-orbit (850 km) satellites of the TIROS-NOAA series, and the Geostationary Operational Satellite (GOES) system, on board geostationary satellites (36,000 km) of the SMS/GOES series. DCPs have been used mainly in the field of hydrology to obtain timely data, to make decisions, and to compose historical records. The first DCP network established in Brazil was in the Tocantins Basin, which has 10 telemetry stations. Other networks are currently being planned. Prototypes of ARGOS and GOES DCPs are being developed that are aimed at further industrialization and improved supply of national demand.