A Simulator for the SEASAT-A Synthetic Aperture Radar Ground Support Network

• Main Authors: Jones, S. C., Colson, J. D., Grunberger, P. J.
• Other Authors: John Hopkins University
• Language: en_US
• Published: International Foundation for Telemetering 1978
• Online Access: http://hdl.handle.net/10150/609921; http://arizona.openrepository.com/arizona/handle/10150/609921

International Telemetering Conference Proceedings / November 14-16, 1978 / Hyatt House Hotel, Los Angeles, California === The characteristics and capabilities of link measurement and simulation equipment for the NASA ground stations supporting the SEASAT-A synthetic aperture radar (SAR) are described. The Spaceflight Tracking and Data Network (STDN) SEASAT-A SAR Simulator generates SAR radar and data link signals, including chirp, radar return, pilot, PRN radar timing, and noise components. After injection into and passage through the STDN SAR equipment, the simulated SAR signals are processed in real time to determine ground support equipment readiness and performance. The equipment has been used to verify the performance of SAR unique support equipment prior to site delivery and during integration testing at NASA, European Space Agency (ESA), and Canada Centre for Remote Sensing (CCRS) ground support stations. It has also been used to test SAR flight equipment. It is currently being used for site prepass readiness testing.