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ICESat-2/ATLAS Onboard Flight Science Receiver Algorithms: Purpose, Process, and Performance.
J F McGarry1, C C Carabajal2, J L Saba3
1NASA Goddard Space Flight Center Greenbelt MD USA.
Earth and Space Science (Hoboken, N.J.)
|July 5, 2021
Summary
The Advanced Topographic Laser Altimetry System (ATLAS) onboard ICESat-2 uses Receiver Algorithms to reduce data volume. These algorithms effectively distinguish surface echoes from noise, meeting mission requirements.
Area of Science:
- Earth Observation
- Satellite Technology
- Laser Altimetry
Background:
- The Ice, Cloud, and land Elevation Satellite 2 (ICESat-2) carries the Advanced Topographic Laser Altimetry System (ATLAS) as its sole instrument.
- High data volume from ATLAS poses a challenge for X-band downlink capabilities and requires efficient data management.
Purpose of the Study:
- To describe the function and performance of the ATLAS Onboard Flight Science Receiver Algorithms.
- To validate the effectiveness of algorithms in managing telemetry data volume for the ICESat-2 mission.
Main Methods:
- Implementing onboard Digital Elevation Models and signal processing techniques.
- Utilizing spacecraft location and attitude data, along with reference maps for relief and surface type.
- Distinguishing surface echoes from background noise to limit data transmission.
Main Results:
- Ground testing confirmed the reliable performance of the Receiver Algorithms.
- On-orbit analysis indicates the algorithms are functioning as anticipated, meeting mission data requirements.
Conclusions:
- The Receiver Algorithms successfully manage ATLAS data volume by filtering noise and focusing on relevant signal regions.
- The algorithms are crucial for the efficient operation of ICESat-2, ensuring mission success through effective data telemetry.
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