What matters when handling Payload Data

Payload data handling is a task that usually outlasts an Earth observation mission. Collected payload data must be available far beyond the original lifetime of the satellite platform, for example for monitoring global changes. On the other hand, near-real-time applications require immediate access to valuable data, as in the area of continuous monitoring and management of a hazard situation.

Our services for managing the huge amounts of data include three important aspects that are carried out in the PDGS:

• Data Processing: In order to provide users with an optimal database for their purposes, it is necessary to process the data into data products using scientific algorithms and incorporating auxiliary data.
• Data Archiving: The data must be available in the long term. It is therefore important that it is archived securely and can be found at any time.
• Data Distribution: The large amounts of data must be made available to users efficiently, quickly and with appropriate access rights.

These aspects include data processing, archiving and distribution, as well as generic multi-mission systems with additional functions such as data entry, complex value-added and cross-mission production workflows, ordering of future acquisitions, data subscriptions, near-real-time delivery and online user services.