Argos second and third generations: enhancements finely tuned to oceanographic applications

Since its inception, the Argos Data Collection and Location System has been providing on an operational basis in-situ environmental data for a broad range of ocean related applications. Argos user's have been regularly surveyed in an effort to obtain their perspective on Argos system capabilities. They clearly outline several priorities for improving Argos. Some of these improvements were anticipated by Argos and planned for a second generation (Argos-2), starting with the launch of NOAA-K in May 1998. The other enhancements, such as two-way and higher data rate, are already designed and will be implemented on the next generations.