Argos

Argos is a satellite-based location and data collection system dedicated to monitoring and protecting the environment.

Argos is able to  locate any platform equipped with a suitable transmitter, anywhere in the world, to within 150 to 1000 meters (using Doppler effect). It can also collect data from sensors connected to the transmitter. Over 7 thousand Argos transmitters are now operating around the world.  The satellites collect the data and retransmit it to the Argos centers for processing.  Scientists can retrieve the results from anywhere in the world by public data networks, often within 20 minutes of transmission.

The Argos system has been operational since 1978. It was established under an agreement (Memorandum of Understanding) between the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA, USA), the National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA, USA) and the French Space Agency (CNES).