Development of X-Band Downlink Facility

Dr. Robert L. Bernstein and Dr. Kota Prasad - SeaSpace Corporation

Dr. David Sandwell and Dr. Bernard Minster - Scripps Institution of Oceanography


Contents:

    Objectives

    Overall Plan

    SBIR Phase II Progress Report - December 1997

    First Data Acquisition on January 13, 1999 from ERS-2


Objectives


Overall Plan

SIO is currently developing an X-band down-link facility, located on the SIO campus, by upgrading an existing 5-m satellite dish and electronics. In the past, X-band data acquisition been done with a larger dish antenna (~10 m) and at a much higher cost. Thus some engineering R&D is needed to compensate for the smaller aperture by taking advantage of state-of-the-art electronic technology. SeaSpace Corporation, San Diego, CA is developing the acquisition hardware and software. Both SeaSpace and SIO scientists are developing the SAR processing software and SAR data distribution system. NASA (50%), the State of California (25%) and SeaSpace/SIO (25%) are funding this project. The funding for the system is now complete and construction is in progress. The overall tasks follow:


SBIR Phase II Progress Report - December 1997
SBIR PHASE-II CONTRACT NAS 8-97041
CONTRACT PERIOD OF PERFORMANCE: 01 September 1997 - 30 November 1997.
AUTHOR: Dr. Kota Prasad - SeaSpace Co.
CONTRACT TITLE:
LOW-COST X-BAND SATELLITE DATA ACQUISITION SYSTEM FOR RADARSAT, EOS, AND BEYOND
I. Upgrade of Scripps Satellite Antenna and Facility
The following developments have occurred since the last progress report was submitted.
II. High-Speed Frame Synchronizer
III. User Systems SAR Processor Software
IV. Future work