Patent ID: 7808425
Filing Date: 2010-10-05
Classification: G01S,H01Q

Abstract:
1. A space-borne altimetry apparatus comprising: a first receiving antenna, pointing to outer space, for receiving at least one signal emitted by a remote satellite emitter via a direct path; a second receiving antenna, pointing to the Earth, for receiving said signal via an indirect path including a reflection from the Earth surface; and signal processing means for cross-correlating the signals received by said first and second antennas; wherein both said first and second receiving antennas are directive and steerable antennas; and wherein said apparatus further comprises antenna control means for steering at least one receiving lobe of said first antenna toward said remote satellite emitter, and at least one receiving lobe of said second antenna toward a point on the Earth's surface specularly reflecting said signal emitted by a remote satellite emitter toward said second receiving antenna.