Actual performance and capabilities of the Argos system

Since 1978, a new operational platform location system has come into being, namely the Argos system, which has the great advantage of bringing all results together at a single point. At the same time, this system provides for measurement data collection from platforms equipped with a simple electronics package, wherever they may be in the world.The data relayed by this system concern all environment-related disciplines, irrespective of whether we are referring to land masses, oceans, polar regions or the atmosphere.The central point where all location calculations are performed and all collected data handled is the Toulouse Space Center. Results are available at the Center just a few hours after their acquisition. Users can consult the results files via switched communications networks or have the data sent to them in one form or another.