The SEASAT-A data processing and distribution

The experimental oceanographic satellite SeasatA is scheduled to be launched in May of 1978. The instrument complement includes both passive and active microwave sensors designed to provide measurements of sea surface temperature, surface winds, ocean topography and directional wave spectra. JPL will process a subset of the data to geophysical units for the purpose of evaluating the geophysical performance of the sensor complement and the initial geophysical processing algorithms. This activity will permit the routine geophysical processing of a global data set at a later time. User distribution could be accomplished via normal user agency channels; i.e., NOAA/EDS. The Navy´s Fleet Numerical Weather Central (FNWC) at Monterey, California in cooperation with NASA will conduct a real time data demonstration during the flight of Seasat-A. A major share of the data (excluding the Synthetic Aperture Radar) will be processed in the Satellite Processing Center at FNWC in near real time. The processed data will be used as inputs to FNWC´s atmospheric and oceanographic models. Arrangements are being made for a distribution system so that the processed data may be made available to users with a requirement for real time data.