A Description of the Data-Driven SAR Data Workflow in the TerraSAR-X Payload Ground Segment

Abstract

TerraSAR-X is a national German satellite providing a high-resolution X-Band SAR instrumentation featuring StripMap, ScanSAR and SpotLight imaging modes in various polarizations. The experimental full polarization mode is carried out using a dual receive antenna capability. An active lifetime of five years is anticipated, the launch is expected in 2006. The TerraSAR-X mission shall serve both commercial and scientific needs. It is implemented in the frame of a public-private partnership between EADS Astrium GmbH (providing the TerraSAR-X Space Segment) and the German Aerospace Center DLR (providing the TerraSAR-X Ground Segment). The commercial product exploitation rights are with Infoterra GmbH, the scientific ones remain at DLR. The Infoterra business concept foresees the inclusion of a Direct Access Service through which TerraSAR-X data may be directly received by stations either for the sole purpose to produce geo-information products for their own and private applications or to generate and distribute commercial products. Essential tasks of the TerraSAR-X Payload Ground Segment developed (and later operated) by DLR are the SAR payload data reception, their archiving and processing, and the distribution of the generated SAR products to users. This paper summarizes the TerraSAR-X Payload Ground Segment design. It describes the SAR data workflow ranging from the payload data reception at the Neustrelitz Ground Station to the long-term data archiving in the multi-mission Product Library at the German Remote Sensing Data Center. Supplementary data as provided by the TerraSAR-X Mission Operation Segment and used during the data-driven generation of the SAR level 0 products are described together with their dissemination concept. The adaptability of the chosen approach for the operation of a Direct Access Station is addressed.