Definition Study for the on Board Data Management for Spaceborne Radar Altimeter. Volume 2: Study Results

摘要

A qualitative tradeoff of implementing ERS-1 radar altimeter algorithms on board versus on the ground, both for a centralized system and one which is augmented with low-cost ground stations was used to define a processing system. Specifications for the on board processing segment are given, based on the functions to be implemented, established system interfaces, and operational constraints. The impact of the chosen implementation on the ground processing segment is discussed insofar as it differs from the traditional (SEASAT-like) implementation. The use of the maximum likelihood estimate (MLE) concept for science parameter extraction is evaluated. Only the instrument control function is maintained on board. An MLE is proposed for onground data extraction, but would be unsuitable on board.