Remote Data Link for Integrated Ocean Observing System

"The PI proposes to develop and deploy the prototype of a completeglobal data telemetry system, based on the Iridium satelliteconstellation, and tailored to the needs of the ocean researchand monitoring community, under the aegis of the Ocean.USprogram.This system will be a major operational component of theIntegrated Ocean Observing System (IOOS). It will be a majorstep forward in data telemetry capabilities for this community,in terms of bandwidth, geographical coverage, value-addedservices, robustness, and cost.The system is expected to evolve into a full-fledged operationalsystem. This means it must be scalable as bandwidth needsincrease and adaptable as new features and enhancements are addedto the space segment and to accommodate new developments innetworking technology.The system will encompass servers at multiple ground stations,network connections, and software to provide both basic andadvanced customer services. It will also involve the design,negotiation, and establishment of an innovativeprivate/government/academic business partnership.BENEFITS: The proposed system will provide a global data telemetry system for marine research and monitoring that has more bandwidth. Is more robust, and costs less than any capability yet available to the community.It will provide support and services tailored to the specialized needs of Ocean.US, the Integrated Ocean Observing System (IOOS), and the user community.As a crucial component