Sentinel-5 Precursor Payload Data Ground Segment

Abstract

The Payload Data Ground Segment (PDGS) for the Sentinel-5 Precursor mission operating the TROPOMI instrument is currently being developed at DLR Oberpfaffenhofen. The PDGS covers the functions of payload data acquisition, level 0 to level 2 near real-time and offline processing, re-processing, short- and long-term archiving, product quality and service monitoring. A major challenge in the PDGS development is the handling of high data rates for processing, transmission and archiving, and the integration of several different processing systems. This contribution describes the Sentinel-5 Precursor PDGS concept and architecture, gives an overview on the system requirements and presents the current PDGS development status. The ESA Sentinel-5 Precursor to be launched in March 2015 is an important mission for the continuous operational remote sensing of the atmosphere filling the gap between the ENVISAT era and the GMES Sentinel 5 mission.