The SAR Processing System Control Processor (SPS CP) computer program performs sequencing and job-control functions within the Alaska SAR Facility (ASF) [where "SAR" means "synthetic-aperture radar"]. SPS CP interacts with the Product-Distribution-and-Management (PDM) system of the ASF to receive processing orders as well as engineering and raw signal data. SPS CP provides a graphical user interface for operator control and performs job-sequencing functions to orchestrate the Raw Data Scanners (RDS) and SAR processors of the ASF to produce image data products. It is capable of displaying images to support visual data-product-quality checks. It is capable of recovering from errors caused by various abnormal processing events. The interfaces between SPS CP and the raw-data scanners and SAR processors are based on a client-server model with sockets and multithreading. SPS CP is hosted on SGI Origin or Challenge computers; the interfaces with raw data scanners and SAR processors are hosted on SGI Challenge, DEC Alpha, IBM SP-2, and Compaq computers. This program has been supporting ASF operations for over five years and its capabilities have been continuously enhanced to enable both large and small scientific-processing campaigns that have included mapping of the Amazon rain forest, the Antarctic Mapping Mission, and the Arctic Snapshot Mission.
This program was written by Eugene Chu, Daniel Fineman, Pearl Haw, John Ho, Nancy Perry, Cris Sandoval, and Joanne Shimada of Caltech for NASA's Jet Propulsion Laboratory. For further information, access the Technical Support Package (TSP) free on-line at www.nasatech.com/tsp under the Software category.
This software is available for commercial licensing. Please contact Don Hart of the California Institute of Technology at (818) 393-3425. Refer to NPO-20713.
This Brief includes a Technical Support Package (TSP).
Sequencing and Job-Control Software for Processing SAR Data
(reference NPO-20713) is currently available for download from the TSP library.
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Overview
The document provides an overview of the SAR Processing System Control Processor (SPS CP), a software program developed for the Alaska SAR Facility (ASF) to manage and control the processing of synthetic-aperture radar (SAR) data. The SPS CP is integral to the ASF's operations, which include data acquisition, archiving, and distribution for various international polar-orbiting remote sensing satellites such as ERS, JERS, and Radarsat.
SPS CP functions as the core of the SAR processing system, interfacing with the Product Distribution and Management (PDM) system to receive processing orders, engineering data, and raw signal data. It features a graphical user interface (GUI) that allows operators to control the processing tasks effectively. The software orchestrates the operation of raw data scanners and SAR processors to produce image data products, ensuring that the data is processed efficiently and accurately.
One of the key capabilities of SPS CP is its job-sequencing function, which manages the workflow of various components involved in SAR data processing. Additionally, it includes an image display feature that supports visual quality checks of the data products. The system is designed to handle error recovery, allowing it to recover from various abnormal processing events, thereby enhancing its reliability.
The SPS CP operates on SGI Origin and Challenge computers, while the interfaces with raw data scanners and SAR processors are hosted on a range of platforms, including SGI Challenge, DEC Alpha, IBM SP-2, and Compaq computers. The software has been in use for over five years and has undergone continuous enhancements to support both large and small scientific processing campaigns, including significant missions like the mapping of the Amazon rainforest, the Antarctic Mapping Mission, and the Arctic Snapshot Mission.
The document also notes that the SPS CP was developed by a team from Caltech for NASA’s Jet Propulsion Laboratory, and it is available for commercial licensing. For inquiries regarding licensing, contact information for Don Hart at Caltech is provided.
Overall, the document highlights the importance of the SPS CP in advancing remote sensing capabilities and supporting scientific research through effective SAR data processing.
