Argo is a network of oceanic robotic probes coverig the Earths oceans, with a total of 3000 probes planned. The probes measure salinity and temperature at depths down to 2 km, surfacing once every 10 days to transmit the collected data via satellite. As of December 2004, 1500 of the 3000 probes are deployed.

The program is a collaboration between 50 research and operational agencies from 18 countries, with the United States contributing over half the total funding (As of December 2004). The data collected from the network is made freely available.

The program is named after the Greek mythical ship Argo which Jason and the Argonauts use on their quest for the Golden Fleece. The name was chosen to emphasize the complementary relationship of the project with the Jason-1 satellite altimeter mission.

External links

Official Argo website