The German Processing and Archiving Center for ENVISAT

The European Polar Platform Satellite ENVISAT will carry a variety of Earth remote sensing instruments. Some of these are originated from the continuity of ERS, the first European remote sensing satellite, specifically the SAR and the ATSR. Other new instruments address topics in global atmosphere and climate observations. ENVISAT is scheduled for launch in 1998. Its ground segment is based on specific central functions-performed by the European Space Agency-and the decentralized function of national “Processing and archiving centers” (PACs). In continuity to ERS, the German Remote Sensing Data Center (DFD) will be the German PAC, concentrating on the processing, archiving and distributing of global atmosphere and climate sensors and on SAR. The operations of the PAC will rely on a general data and information management system (DIMS), currently under integration at DFD. Beyond the pure scope of ENVISAT, DIMS delivers multi-mission catalogs and archives and will be upgradeable for future user requirements