Relative Calibration of Altimeters under Dual-satellite Formation Flying Altimetry Mode

A relative calibration method used in a novel dual-satellite formation flying altimetry mode is proposed, and a complete formula for calculating relative bias between altimeters is presented. Power spectrum analysis of each correction term in relative bias calculation formula and statistical analysis of differential sequences are respectively conducted with Jason-2 altimetry data. Under the premise that a centimeter level calibration accuracy is ensured, the formula is simplified and error budget is made. The results show that all correction items have low frequency characteristic, and the relative bias error is mainly related to the relative radial orbit error between two satellites, range error, sea state bias as well as the differential geoid height error between two comparison points. As for single overflight, the accuracy of relative bias between two altimeters is about 1.99 cm.