PALSAR Users Guide

2nd Edition

November 2012

Japan Space Systems (J-spacesystems)

Preface
Phased Array type L-band Synthetic Aperture Radar (PALSAR) was developed by Japanese Ministry of Economy, Trade and Industry (METI) as a joint project with Japan Aerospace Exploration Agency (JAXA). PALSAR was launched from Tanegashima Space Center at 10:33am on January 24, 2006 (Japanese Standard Time) onboard Advanced Land Observing Satellite (ALOS) via H-IIA launch vehicle Flight No. 8 and completed its operation at 10:50 am on May 12, 2011 (Japanese Standard Time).

In addition to its all-weather observation capability regardless of day and night, PALSAR incorporated many highly advanced observation technologies, and has contributed greatly in areas such as resource exploration, environmental monitoring on earth and monitoring of natural disasters.

This PALSAR Users Guide incorporates the features of PALSAR data, how to order PALSAR data and other information beneficial to the data use. It is greatly hoped that this guide contributes to the extended acknowledgement of the product and its meaningful application in various fields.

For any requests and/or remarks relevant to the reference guide, please contact below:

Japan Space Systems (J-spacesystems)

PALSAR User Service

Tel.: +81-3-6435-6973 Fax.: +81-3-3432-3768 http://gds.palsar.ersdac.jspacesystems.or.jp/e/contact/

PALSAR Users Guide

PALSAR User s Guide Table of Contents

Introduction ................................................................................................................................ 1-1 1.1 1.2 1.3 1.4 1.5 Purpose ............................................................................................................................... 1-1 Scope................................................................................................................................... 1-1 Background of PALSAR project ......................................................................................... 1-1 PALSAR Observation Objectives ........................................................................................ 1-2 System for development and operation of PALSAR project................................................ 1-3

Overview of the ALOS system ..................................................................................................... 2-1 2.1 Main Specifications of ALOS .............................................................................................. 2-1 2.2 ALOS orbit .......................................................................................................................... 2-2 2.3 Main Specifications of sensors onboard ALOS .................................................................. 2-2 2.3.1 Phased Array type L-Band Synthetic Aperture Radar (PALSAR) ............................... 2-2 2.3.2 Advanced Visible and Near-Infrared Radiometer-2 (AVNIR-2) .................................. 2-3 2.3.3 PRISM.......................................................................................................................... 2-4 2.4 Outline of ALOS mission operations .................................................................................. 2-4 2.4.1 Sensor operation.......................................................................................................... 2-4 2.4.2 Transmission of observed data .................................................................................... 2-5 2.4.3 Orbit Control ............................................................................................................... 2-5 2.4.4 Attitude Control ........................................................................................................... 2-6 2.5 Detailed Specifications of PALSAR .................................................................................... 2-6 2.5.1 Outline of Major Components ..................................................................................... 2-6 2.5.2 PALSAR Operation Modes ........................................................................................ 2-11

Overview of PALSAR Operations ............................................................................................... 3-1 3.1 Normal observation of PALSAR ......................................................................................... 3-1 3.1.1 Standing observation request ...................................................................................... 3-1 3.1.2 Weekly observation request ......................................................................................... 3-2 3.2 Urgent observation of PALSAR .......................................................................................... 3-2 Outline of the Ground System ..................................................................................................... 4-1 4.1 Outline of ALOS Ground System ........................................................................................ 4-1 4.2 Outline of PALSAR Ground Data System ........................................................................... 4-2 4.2.1 CSMSCommunication and System Management Subsystem ................................... 4-2 4.2.2 PGSProduct Generation Subsystem ........................................................................ 4-2 4.2.3 IMSInformation Management Subsystem ................................................................ 4-2 4.2.4 EDBERSDAC Data Buffer....................................................................................... 4-3

PALSAR Products ....................................................................................................................... 5-1 5.1 Definition of Products......................................................................................................... 5-2 5.1.1 Level 1.0 Product......................................................................................................... 5-2 5.1.2 Level 1.1 Product......................................................................................................... 5-2

Table of Contents

5.1.3 Level 1.5 Product ........................................................................................................ 5-4 5.1.4 Level 4.1 Product ........................................................................................................ 5-6 5.1.5 Level 4.2 Product ........................................................................................................ 5-8 5.2 Outline of Processing Algorithm ...................................................................................... 5-11 5.2.1 Processing Algorithm for Level 1.0 Product ............................................................. 5-11 5.2.2 Processing Algorithm for Level 1.1 Product ............................................................. 5-13 5.2.3 Processing Algorithm for Level 1.5 Product ............................................................. 5-18 5.2.4 Processing Algorithm for Level 4.1 Product ............................................................. 5-20 5.2.5 Processing Algorithm for Level 4.2 Product ............................................................. 5-22 5.3 Product Format ................................................................................................................ 5-24 5.3.1 CEOS Superstructure Format ................................................................................... 5-25 5.3.2 Vexcel SLC format..................................................................................................... 5-27 6 Outline of Data Calibration ....................................................................................................... 6-1 6.1 Calibration Items................................................................................................................ 6-1 6.2 Calibration Equipment ....................................................................................................... 6-1 6.3 Calibration Experiment Program ...................................................................................... 6-3 6.4 Outline of Data Calibration Processing............................................................................. 6-3 6.4.1 Data for Calibration ................................................................................................... 6-3 6.4.2 Overview of Calibration Process ................................................................................ 6-4

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PALSAR User s Guide List of Figures and Tables

[List of Figures] Figure 1.5-1 Development and Operation Structure of PALSAR Project............................. 1-4 Figure 2.1-1 Appearance of Deployed ALOS on orbit ......................................................... 2-1 Figure 2.1-2 ALOSs orbit for 1 day (about 14 revolutions) ................................................. 2-2 Figure 2.5-1 System Diagram Applied to PALSAR ........................................................... 2-11 Figure 2.5-2 Observation modes of PALSAR ..................................................................... 2-13 Figure 2.5-3 Shifting of PALSAR Operation Modes .......................................................... 2-16 Figure 3.1-1 ERSDACs Standing Observation Requests (Cycle: 31 or more) .................... 3-2 Figure 4.1-1 ALOS Ground System overview ...................................................................... 4-1 Figure 4.2-1 PALSAR GDS structure ................................................................................... 4-2 Figure 5-1 Relationships between PALSAR Observation Modes and Processing Levels .... 5-1 Figure 5.1-1 Sample Image of Level 1.1 Product ................................................................. 5-3 Figure 5.1-3 Sample Image of Level 1.5 Product ................................................................. 5-6 Figure 5.1-4 Sample of a Synthesized Color Image of Level 4.1 Product ............................ 5-8 Figure 5.1-5 Sample Image of Level 4.2 Product ............................................................... 5-10 Figure 5.2-1 PALSAR Data Processing Flow ..................................................................... 5-11 Figure 5.2-2 Processing Flow of Level 1.0 Product. ........................................................... 5-12 Figure 5.2-3 Processing Flow of Level 1.1 Product (with no polarization) ........................ 5-13 Figure 5.2-4 Processing Flow of Level 1.1 Product (with polarization) ............................. 5-14 Figure 5.2-5 Squint Observation ......................................................................................... 5-16 Figure 5.2-6 Range Migration Curvature Correction .......................................................... 5-17 Figure 5.2-7 Processing Flow of Level 1.5 Products .......................................................... 5-19 Figure 5.2-8 Skew Correction ............................................................................................. 5-20 Figure 5.2-9 Processing Flow for Level 4.1 Product........................................................... 5-20 Figure 5.2-10 Cross-Product Processing of Quad-Polarization Data .................................. 5-22 Figure 5.2-11 Cross-Product Processing of Dual-Polarization Data ................................... 5-22 Figure 5.2-12 Processing Flow of Level 4.2 Product .......................................................... 5-23 Figure 5.3-1 PALSAR CEOS superstructure format .......................................................... 5-26 Figure 5.3-2 Vexcel SLC formatsensor information block ............................................. 5-27 Figure 5.3-3 Vexcel SLC formatRaw SAR image information block............................. 5-28 Figure 5.3-4 Vexcel SLC formatSLC product information block ................................... 5-29 Figure 6.2-1 Appearance of PARC ....................................................................................... 6-2 Figure 6.2-2 Appearance of Corner Reflector ....................................................................... 6-2 Figure 6.4-1 PALSAR Data Calibration Flow ...................................................................... 6-4

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[List of Tables] Table 2.1-1 Main Specifications of ALOS ........................................................................... 2-1 Table 2.3-1 Main Specifications of PALSAR ...................................................................... 2-3 Table 2.3-2 Main Specifications of AVNIR-2 ...................................................................... 2-4 Table 2.3-3 Main Specifications of PRISM .......................................................................... 2-4 Table 2.4-1 Satellite Attitude and Position Determination Accuracy ................................... 2-6 Table 2.5-1 Outline of Major Components Constituting PALSAR Sensor .......................... 2-7 Table 2.5-2 PALSAR Operation Modes ............................................................................. 2-11 Table 2.5-3 PALSAR Stand-by Modes............................................................................... 2-12 Table 2.5-4 Outlines of the PALSAR Observation Modes ................................................. 2-12 Table 2.5-5 PALSAR Observation Modes Regularly Used by ERSDAC .......................... 2-14 Table 2.5-6 PALSAR Calibration Modes ........................................................................... 2-15 Table 3.1-1 Objectives and Observation Target Areas of Standing Observation Requests .. 3-1 Table 5.1-1 Outline of Level 1.0 Product ............................................................................. 5-2 Table 5.1-2 Outline of Level 1.1 Product ............................................................................. 5-3 Table 5.1-3 Outline of Level 1.5 Product ............................................................................. 5-5 Table 5.1-4 Outline of Level 4.1 Product ............................................................................. 5-7 Table 5.1-5 Outline of Level 4.2 Product ............................................................................. 5-9 Table 6.3-1 Initial Calibration Campaign Program............................................................... 6-3 Table 6.4-1 PALSAR Observation Modes for Data Calibration .......................................... 6-3

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1 Introduction
1.1 Purpose
This document provides users with various kinds of necessary information to effectively utilize the PALSAR data, and describes the outline of ALOS and the sensors onboard ALOS including PALSAR, the ground system and the PALSAR data processing algorithm as well as the outline of the PALSAR Calibration.

1.2 Scope
This document consists of the following 6 Chapters and Appendix.

Chapter 1: Introduction of the purpose of this document and the outline of the PALSAR Project. Chapter 2: Introduction of the overall outline of the ALOS system and the operation of satellites as well as the detailed specifications of the PALSER sensor. Chapter 3: Introduction of the outline of the PALSAR operation. Chapter 4: Introduction of the outline of the ALOS Ground Data System and PALSAR Ground Data System. Chapter 5: Introduction of definitions, processing algorithm and data format of the PALSAR products provided by J-spacesystems. Chapter 6: Introduction of the outline of the PALSAR Calibration Appendix: Acronyms

1.3 Background of PALSAR project

As a country with poor resources, Japan depends heavily on import from overseas for the supply of oil, natural gas, uranium, metals, non-metals, and other natural resources. Securing continuous and stable supply of these natural resources is imperative for maintaining the energy-consuming lifestyle of Japan. Satellite remote sensing and development of the application technologies are considered effective factors in pursuing the goal. With the recent surge in the public awareness, environmental sustainability is being prioritized in developmental activities. In that sense, environmental analysis is considered one of the crucial aspects of developing satellite remote sensing application technologies. As the forerunner of PALSAR, L-band synthetic aperture radar (SAR) was developed by the Ministry of International Trade and Industry (MITI, present METI) and National Space

1-1

1 Introduction

Development Agency of Japan (NASDA, present JAXA). The SAR was launched in February 1992 onboard JERS-1, the first earth observation satellite of NASDA, and it had been in operation until October 1998. The SAR data greatly contributed to the geological structural analysis, since it was efficient especially in the observation of tropical rain forests and others, where optical sensors often failed due to bad weather conditions. As originally planned, JERS-1/SAR successfully observed all the land areas on earth at least for once, except for Antarctic. The accumulated scenes of about 320,000 are the precious assets for satellite remote sensing research and activities in Japan. ERSDAC1 had been engaged in resource and environmental analysis of crucial areas, based on the JERS-1/SAR scenes of over 30,000. Technological development for oil and natural gas exploration was promoted specifically under the program titled Research and Development of Remote Sensing Technology for Non-renewable Resources. Based on the achievements of R&D for JERS-1/SAR, METI and JAXA jointly developed L-band aperture synthetic radar, PALSAR with improved performance and flexible observation mode as the successor.

1.4 PALSAR Observation Objectives

As mentioned above, main purpose of PALSAR is the acquisition of data beneficial to resource exploration, environmental protection. Based on the purposes, ERSDAC acquired PALSAR data for the purposes indicated below. Even after completion of ALOS operation,

ERSDAC/J-Spacesystems have kept applying the PALSAR data.

On March 30, 2012, Earth Remote Sensing Data Analysis Center (ERSDAC), Japan Resources Observation System and Space Utilization Organization (JAROS) and Institute for Unmanned Space Experiment Free Flyer (USEF) merged and started newly as Japan Space Systems (J-spacesystems). In this document, old organization names (ERSDAC and JAROS) are used for matters completed before the merger.

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Land Area Basin Mapping Geological structural analysis of target areas Collect database of potential natural resource deposit areas Coastal Area Basin Mapping Detection of natural oil slicks Resource exploration of oil and natural gas Monitoring of contamination accompanied by developmental activities Monitoring of environment and natural disasters Monitoring of disasters such as landslide, volcanic activities, floods and others Environmental monitoring such as forests International cooperation

Research and development for the processing and application of multi polarimetric SAR data Geological structure analysis on the first stage of resource exploration Research and development of mapping and classification methods for forests and biomass, etc. Research and development of mapping and/or classification method of forests and biomass

1.5 System for development and operation of PALSAR project

ALOS development and operation project (which carried PALSAR) had been realized as a joint project of METI and JAXA. JAXA was solely responsible for the launch and development of ALOS satellite and onboard sensors except for PALSAR, whereas METI and JAROS joined JAXA for the development of PALSAR. JAXA was responsible for operation and receipt of data from PALSAR. On the other hand, ERSDAC was responsible for the development and operation of ground facilities, where PALSAR data are processed. Processed data are provided to users in Japan and overseas. Also, ERSDAC coordinated observation requests of PALSAR issued from qualified users, before submitting them to JAXA. Currently, PALSAR Data Utilization Committee, organized by knowledgeable experts, is established inside J-spacesystems to improve research and development of PALSAR data applications as well as to advice on how to encourage the data use.

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1 Introduction

MEXT

METI

MEXT

J-spacesystems JAXA
ALOS project ALOS satellite dvlp. PALSAR sensor dvlp. PRISM sensor dvlp. AVNIR2 sensor dvlp. PALSAR Data Utilization Committee

Observation Systems and Space Utilization Division (JAROS)

PALSAR Sensor dvlp.

Earth Remote Sensing Division (ERSDAC)

Dvlp. and operation of PALSAR Ground Data System

JAXA
Dvlp. and operation of ALOS ground station

R&D of PALSAR data application

J-spacesystems : Japan Space Systems ERSDAC : Earth Remote Sensing Data Analysis Center JAXA : Japan Aerospace Exploration Agency METI : Ministry of Economy, Trade and Industry MEXT : Ministry of Education, Culture, Sports, Science and Technology

Figure 1.5-1 Development and Operation Structure of PALSAR Project

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2 Overview of the ALOS system

2.1 Main Specifications of ALOS
ALOS, on which PALSAR was aboard, was launched by the H-IIA Launch Vehicle Flight No.8 from Tanegashima Space Center at 10:33am on January 24, 2006 (Japanese Standard Time) and completed its operation at 10:50am on May 12, 2012 (Japanese Standard Time). The design life was three years. But the satellite operation continued beyond the design life, because the loaded fuel could keep the satellite in the orbit for 5 years. Other than PALSAR jointly developed by METI and JAXA, two optical sensors (AVNIR-2 and PRISM) developed by JAXA were onboard ALOS satellite.
Inter-Satellite Communication Antenna

GPS Antenna Star Tracker PALSAR

Solar Array Paddle PRISM AVNIR-2

(Image Source: JAXA)

Figure 2.1-1 Appearance of Deployed ALOS on orbit

Table 2.1-1 Main Specifications of ALOS

Launch Item Launch vehicle Date Launch site Orbit Local sun time at descending node Altitude Orbit inclination Period Revolution per day Recurrent cycle Inter-orbit distance Repetition accuracy Specifications H-IIA launch vehicle No.8 10:33am on January 24, 2006 (JST) Tanegashima Space Center Sun-Synchronous Sub-Recurrent 10:30 15 min (AM) 691.65km on the equator 98.16 deg. 98.7 min 14+27/46/day 46 days 59.7 km on the equator +/-2.5km on the equator

Orbit

2-1

2 Overview of the ALOS

2.2 ALOS orbit

ALOS orbit was the sun-synchronous orbit of 691.65km altitude and 98.16-degree inclination, on which it revolved around the earth in about every 100 minutes, or about 14 times a day. ALOS returned to the original path (repeat cycle) in every 46 days, and the inter-orbit distance was approximately 59.7km on the equator.

Figure 2.1-2 ALOSs orbit for 1 day (about 14 revolutions)

2.3 Main Specifications of sensors onboard ALOS 2.3.1 Phased Array type L-Band Synthetic Aperture Radar (PALSAR)
PALSAR was an active microwave sensor, which was not affected by weather conditions and operable both daytime and nighttime. It was improved based on Synthetic Aperture Radar (SAR) onboard the first earth observation satellite, JERS-1. Full polarimetry (multi-polarization), off nadir pointing function and other functions of PALSAR improved the accuracy of analyzing geological structure, distribution of rocks and so on, and acquired a lot of effective data for resource exploration and other purposes.

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At the same time, multi-polarization was effective in acquiring vegetation information, which encouraged the data use in fields such as global and regional observation of vegetation, distinguishing features on the ground, classification of land use and other purposes. Additionally, PALSAR flexibly corresponded to urgent observation in emergency such as wide-ranging natural disasters.

Table 2.3-1 Main Specifications of PALSAR

Observation Mode Frequency Polarization Incidence Angle Range Resolution Azimuth HH or VV 8 60 deg. 10m* 10m (2 looks) 20m (4 looks) 70km* HH+HV or VV+VH 8 60 deg. 20m* 10m (2 looks) 20m (4 looks) 70km* High Resolution Direct Downlink L band HH or VV 8 60 deg. 20m* 10m (2 looks) 20m (4 looks) 70km* HH or VV 18 36 deg. (3 scans) 18 40 deg. (4 scans) 18 43 deg. (5 scans) 100m* 100m HH+HV+ VV+VH 8 30 deg. 30m* 10m (2 looks) 20m (4 looks) 30km* 5 bits 240 Mbps Off-nadir Angle: 9.7 50.8 deg. Number of looks of the ScanSAR mode is 8 or more by both range and azimuth. ScanSAR Polarimetric Remarks Center Frequency: 1270MHz

Swath Width AD Bit Data Rate Radiometric Accuracy NESZ S/A Swath Width 70km Swath Width 60km Swath Width 70km Swath Width 60km

250km (3 scans) 300km (4 scans) 350km (5 scans) 5 bits 5 bits 5 bits 240 Mbps 120 Mbps 120/240 Mbps Relative accuracy within 1 scene: < 1dB Relative accuracy within 1 orbiting: < 1.5dB (TBR) < -23dB (TBR)* < -25dB (TBR)* < -25dB (target) (TBR)* > 16dB* > 21dB* > 21dB (target)*

< -29dB (TBR)* > 19dB*

Under study about transmission pulse width Applied respectively to range and azimuth directions

*) Meets under the following off-nadir angle. For under other angle, it is requested to keep similar specification as far as possible. High Resolution Mode : Off-nadir angle 34.3 deg. (TBR) Direct Downlink Mode : Off-nadir angle 34.3 deg. (TBR) ScanSAR Mode : 4th scan (off-nadir 34.1 deg. (TBR)) Polarimetric Mode : Off-nadir angle 21.5 deg. (TBR) Note) Above descriptions are specifications over the equator.

2.3.2 Advanced Visible and Near-Infrared Radiometer-2 (AVNIR-2)

AVNIR-2 had higher resolution than AVNIR, which was onboard Advanced Earth Observing Satellite (ADEOS). With the wavelength in visible near infrared zone, its observation over land and coastal areas was especially beneficial to produce land-cover classification map and land use classification map necessary for environmental monitoring and other purposes. AVNIR-2s pointing function (44 deg.) in cross-track direction enabled to cover target areas flexibly to correspond to emergent observations such as natural disasters. The pointing was limited to 85 deg. or less of both north and south latitudes.

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2 Overview of the ALOS

Table 2.3-2 Main Specifications of AVNIR-2

Number of bands Wavelength Ground resolution Swath Pointing angle Quantization bit rate 4 Band 1: 0.42 - 0.50 m Band 2: 0.52 - 0.60 m Band 3: 0.61 - 0.69 m Band 4: 0.76 - 0.89 m 10 m (nadir) 70 km (nadir) 44 deg. 8 bits

2.3.3 PRISM
PRISM was an optical sensor exclusively used to observe visible range at 2.5m of resolution. PRISM data were used to produce highly accurate Digital Elevation Model (DEM). It had three optical systems of looking forward, nadir and backward, and their simultaneous observation allowed acquisition of topographic data including altitude information. Each optical system consisted of three off-axis mirrors and several CCD detectors for push-broom scanning, with the swath width of 70km for nadir and 35km for forward and backward views respectively. Forward and backward-looking radiometers were slanted approximately +/-24 degrees from nadir. This enabled frequent acquisitions of highly accurate topographic data.

Table 2.3-3 Main Specifications of PRISM

Number of band Wavelength Optical system Stereoscopic B/H ratio Ground resolution Swath Pointing angle Quantization bit rate 1 (panchromatic) 0.52 ~ 0.77 m 3 (Nadir, forward, and backward views) 1.0 (between forward and backward view) 2.5 m 70 km (nadir) 35 km (triplet mode) 1.5 deg. (Triplet mode, cross-track direction) 8 bits

2.4 Outline of ALOS mission operations 2.4.1 Sensor operation

Optical sensors, AVNIR-2 and PRISM operated on descending orbit (day side of the earth). PALSAR, operable both day and night, basically operated at High resolution mode or Polarimetry mode on ascending orbit (night side of the earth), while it operated at ScanSAR mode on descending orbit (day side of the earth).

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2.4.2 Transmission of observed data

Since the sensors onboard ALOS were of high resolution, observed data was enormous in size. For the purpose to efficiently transmit the data to ground stations on the earth, ALOS was equipped with data compression function (this function applied to AVNIR-2 and PRISM data, not PALSAR data). Observed data was transmitted to the earth by either Direct Transmission (DT) from satellite to a ground station, or via JAXAs Data Relay Test Satellite (DRTS) and NASAs Tracking and Data Relay Satellite (TDRS) located in geostationary orbit. DRTS allowed longer contact time with a ground station than DT. DT was only possible when ALOS was visible from the ground station. TDRS had been used since April 13th, 2010. Additionally, ALOS carried a recorder to store data observed while ALOS was invisible from any ground stations or data relay satellite, making it possible to observe anywhere on the earth without restrictions.

2.4.3 Orbit Control

The orbit control was implemented with a view to maintaining the orbit accuracy of ALOS. There were two kinds of orbit controls, namely, one was the orbit altitude control and the other was the orbit inclination angle control.

(1) Orbit Altitude Control In the orbit of some 700 km of altitude in which ALOS circulated, there still exists a small amount of atmosphere, and due to the resistance of this atmosphere, the flying speed of ALOS gradually slowed down and as a result its orbit height tended to drop. Accordingly, it was necessary to make adjustments to recover the height by increasing the speed of ALOS. Through this operation, the accuracy of orbital repeatability of ALOS over the equator was maintained within 0.5 km. This orbit altitude control was conducted as needed.

(2) Orbit Inclination Angle Control The orbit inclination angle control kept ALOSs local sun time at descending node within 10:25 am to 10:32 am. In addition, as the change in the orbit inclination angle was marginal, the orbit inclination angle control was conducted about once every 2.5 years.

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2 Overview of the ALOS

2.4.4 Attitude Control

ALOS had the function of maintaining its proper attitude in the orbit within the accuracy ranges described in Table 2.4-1, by acquiring data about the attitude and the location of the satellite through Earth Sensor Assembly (ESA), Inertial Reference Unit (Gyro), Star Trackers, and GPS Receiver, and by operating the propulsion system (gas jet device), reaction wheels, and magnetic torquer.

Table 2.4-1 Satellite Attitude and Position Determination Accuracy

Item Pointing stability (satellite maximum unsteadiness) Pointing determination accuracy Onboard (Onboard computer) (range of errors in satellite direction) Off-line (After processing on ground) Position determination accuracy (range of errors in satellite position in the orbit) Accuracy 4.0e-4 deg/5 sec 4.0e-4 deg. 2.0e-4 deg. 1m

2.5 Detailed Specifications of PALSAR 2.5.1 Outline of Major Components

In this Section, the outline of major components constituting the PALSAR sensor is explained. Table 2.5-1 shows the structure of components of the PALSAR sensor system.

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Table 2.5-1 Outline of Major Components Constituting PALSAR Sensor

System Unit
Antenna Structure System

Component
Antenna panel * Deployment structure * Storage and opening structure * Transmission/reception module Transmission/reception power source Transmission 3 terminals RF /Reception divider 4 terminals Module (DIV) 8 terminals Control divider Heater control circuit in antenna unit Thermal control system in antenna unit Instrumentation system in antenna unit Antenna for REV Signal generating unit Transmission/Reception Transmission unit Unit Reception unit System control unit Signal Processing Unit Data processing unit Power divider Antenna deployment driving circuit * Heater control circuit in electric circuit Thermal control system in electric circuit

Quantity
4 sheets 1 set 1 set 80 units 8 units 12 units 3 units 24 units 4 units 4 units 1 set 1 set 12 sheets 1 unit 1 unit 1 unit 2 units 2 units 1 unit 1 unit 1 unit 1 set 1 set 1 set 1 set

Antenna Unit

PALSAR System

Electric Circuit Unit

Instrumentation system in electric circuit Electric circuit structure Instrumentation connecting various units * These units are collectively called antenna structure unit.

2.5.1.1

Antenna Unit (excluding transmission/reception modules)

Antenna had the radar-signals transmission/reception function as well as the deployment function. Antenna consisted of 4 antenna panels. Transmission pulse signals generated in the electric circuit transmission/reception unit were sent to the transmission/reception modules, where the signals were amplified and fed to the antenna panels. Transmission pulse signals received were emitted in the direction of polarization and pre-set antenna beams. Signals reflected on the ground surface, etc. were received by the antenna panels and sent to the transmission/reception modules, where the received signals were amplified and forwarded to the transmission/reception unit in the electric circuit unit. The control signals generated in the signal processing unit in the electric circuit unit were sent to each transmission/reception module. The antenna unit was folded and stored in the rocket fairing when H-IIA Rocket was launched, and unfolded in the orbit to perform off-nadir and panel deployments. Telemetry signals and command signals from the antenna driving system could be transmitted/received regardless of the ON/OFF position of the system control unit in the signal processing unit. An auxiliary antenna for antenna-pattern correction/calibration (antenna for REV) was loaded, though this is merely for an experimental purpose.

2.5.1.2

Transmission/Reception Modules

The transmission/reception module unit consisted of transmission/reception modules, power sources for transmission/reception modules, RF dividers and control dividers. This unit was to provide transmission pulse signals generated in the transmission/reception

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2 Overview of the ALOS

unit in the electric circuit unit, to amplify the output in each module and to send the signals to the antenna unit. This unit also amplified and synthesized signals from the antenna unit and sent them to the transmission/reception unit in the electric circuit unit. Based on the control and timing signals from the signal processing unit in the electric circuit unit, this unit performed phase control of transmitted signals, vibration/phase control of received signals, switching between transmission and reception, and polarization switching. This unit had the function of sending back transmitted signals in order to monitor the transmission power. All the devices except for RF divider had a temperature sensor, and output the temperature data as telemetry data. This unit output telemetry data capable of verifying the operation status. By receiving power from the primary power source, this unit provided power to each unit in the transmission/reception module unit, which required power source. The transmission/reception modules were capable of ON/OFF control individually and for each transmission/reception independently. While in the noise measurement mode, the unit could terminate the reception system input terminals of the transmission/reception modules.

2.5.1.3

Transmission/reception unit in the electric circuit unit

The transmission/reception unit consisted of a signal generating unit, a transmission unit and a reception unit. Based on the control from the signal processing unit in the electric circuit unit, this unit generated linearly frequency-modulated transmission pulse signals at the pre-set pulse repetitive frequency. This unit sent transmission pulse signals to the antenna unit after altering the frequency. This unit detected reception signals from the antenna unit by way of frequency adjustment, coherently with the transmission standard signals. The reception unit was capable of making switching of AGC/MGC as well as ON/OFF switching of STC. At the connection point with the antenna unit, transmission signals and reception signals were separated. The detected video signals were outputted to the signal processing unit in the electric circuit unit. Necessary signals were generated at the time of onboard calibration. In the signal generation unit, signals in the frequency needed for each unit in PALSAR was generated and provided. The signal generation unit was capable of controlling ON/OFF positions regardless of the ON/OFF positions of the system control unit. At the time of observation, tone signals were inputted to the reception device and the gain fluctuation of the reception unit was monitored.

2.5.1.4

Signal processing unit of the electric circuit unit

The signal processing unit consisted of a data processing unit and a system control unit. Video signals detected by the transmission/reception unit of the electric circuit unit were digitalized and changed to observation signals. On this occasion, either one or two systems

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of the two reception systems was/were selected by the control signals. Observation auxiliary data necessary for data processing on the ground were added to the observation signals, and after a format was arranged, the signals were stretched and outputted as high speed mission data. The data which were necessary for data processing on the ground but not included in the high speed mission data, were outputted as low speed mission data. Inputting of command signals from the satellite bus to the system control unit in the signal processing unit and inputting of PCD data were performed. Also, outputting of telemetry signals from the system control device in the signal processing unit to the satellite bus was performed. Outputting of command signal from the system control unit in the signal processing unit to the antenna unit and the electric circuit unit were performed. Also, inputting of telemetry signal from the antenna unit and the electric circuit unit to the system control unit in the signal processing unit was performed. Based on the PCD data, controls of the timing within PALSAR (starting and ending of observation, automatic parameter-switching corresponding to the change in the longitude and altitude, and automatic parameter-switching corresponding to the switching of scanning) were conducted. Based on the clock signals from the signal generation unit, various kinds of timing signals (such as PRF trigger) used in the overall system were generated and outputted phase-synchronously. Also, standard clock signals were outputted to each unit for the purpose of timing synchronization. Based on the command signals from the ground, the antenna unit as well as the electric circuit unit could be controlled automatically and manually, as needed, corresponding to each observation mode. The calibration mode was controlled as needed. Phase control, vibration control (for reception only), ON/OFF control and temperature corrections were performed for the transmission/reception modules of the antenna unit. Based on commands from the ground, correction data tables and various types of programs were rewritten. This unit was equipped with a BITE function. Irradiation control of the beam of each scan was conducted in order to increase the realization probability of interferometry, by way of increasing the possibility of correlation with previous observations at the time of conducting ScanSAR. However, the interferometry at ScanSAR was considered to be an experimental mission to use pass data where the interferometry was formed. In order to avoid the interference with GPSR, transmission pulse timing was outputted to GPSR. Necessary control was conducted to correct antenna patterns.

2.5.1.5

Power divider

This device provided necessary power to the entire PALSAR system (both the antenna and electric circuit units).

2.5.1.6

Thermal control system of antenna unit

This system conducted temperature control in the antenna unit.

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2.5.1.7

Instrumentation system of antenna unit

This system connected various components of the antenna unit electrically.

2.5.1.8

Thermal control system of electric circuit unit

This system conducted temperature control of the electric circuit unit.

2.5.1.9

Instrumentation system of electric circuit unit

This system electrically connected various components in the electric circuit unit.

2.5.1.10

Electric circuit structure

Each of the components of the electric circuit unit was stored.

2.5.1.11

Antenna deployment driving circuit

Necessary power was provided to enable various deployments, such as 90-degree deployment, off-nadir deployment, panel deployment and truss deployment.

2.5.1.12

Heater control circuit

The heater which controlled the temperature of the PALSAR antenna unit and the electric circuit unit was controlled.

2.5.1.13

Instrumentation system connecting different units

The instrumentation system connected different units electrically.

Figure 2.5-1 shows the system diagram applied to PALSAR.

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PALSAR
Transmission /Reception Module 1 8 Dividers
Down Converter A/D Converter

ALOS

3 Dividers Transmission /Reception Module 20

AGC/MGC

4 Dividers
SW RXH Reception Unit
(Signal Processor)

Data Format Data Processing Unit

(Signal Processor)

<VMD>

REV Antenna 1 REV Antenna 2

3 Dividers
REV

REV Antenna 3 <Antenna Panel 1> <Antenna Panel 2> <Antenna Panel 3> <Antenna Panel 4> Control Divider
UP Converter Transmission Unit
(Digital chirp generator)

Electric supply

TX RXV

System Control Unit SW

<1553B BUS>

Signal Processor
(Reference signal generator)

<RTU I/F>

Antenna Unit

<Heater Controller>

Power Distribution Unit

<DISP/PCU>

Electric Circuit Unit

<Deployment structure> <RTU I/F>

Figure 2.5-1 System Diagram Applied to PALSAR

2.5.2 PALSAR Operation Modes

Table 2.5-2 shows various PALSAR operation modes.

Table 2.5-2 PALSAR Operation Modes

Mode All-off mode Survival mode Sleep mode Antenna deployment mode Stand-by mode Content Remarks PALSAR off PALSAR components are maintained within the permissible temperature limit at the time of non-operation. Antenna is opened and off-nadir deployment and other deployments are conducted. Conditions necessary for observation mode and/or calibration mode are maintained. When survival mode and/or sleep mode are shifted to stand-by mode, conditions necessary for observation mode and/or calibration mode are arranged. Detailed modes are shown in Table 2.5-3. Calibration mode Detailed modes are shown in Table 2.5-6. Observation mode High resolution mode Requests for observation (Refer to Section possible 2.5.2.1 for more Wide-area observation mode (ScanSAR) Ditto details.) Direct downlink mode Polarimetry mode Ditto

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Table 2.5-3 PALSAR Stand-by Modes

Mode Stand-by mode 1 Stand-by mode 2 Stand-by mode 3 Stand-by mode 4 Content The system control unit is in OFF position and the signal generatin g unit is in ON position. Preliminary heating is underway. The system control unit is in ON position and preliminary heating at the signal generating unit is completed. The system control unit and the transmission unit are in ON position. By RF transmission, heating is conducted at the transmission unit. Also, the setting of operation sequence is conducted. The electronic equipment unit is in ON position. Operation/control (or the stand -by) to prepare for the shifting to the calibration mode is conducted.

2.5.2.1

PALSAR Observation Modes

The outline of the PALSAR observation modes shown in Table 2.5-2 is described in Table 2.5-4 below.

Table 2.5-4 Outlines of the PALSAR Observation Modes

Mode High resolution mode Content High resolution observation through single polarization or dual polarization simultaneous reception. Direct downlink mode Observation at the data rate of 50% of High resolution mode (single polarization). ScanSAR mode Wide-area observation by ScanSAR (single polarization). Data rate is the same as that of High resolution mode or 50% thereof. Polarimetry mode Quad-polarization simultaneous observation is conducted. Note: Each observation mode is further detailed by the types of polarization, off-nadir angles, etc.

Out of the above-mentioned observation modes, the direct downlink mode was the one to observe PALSAR data in real time by way of direct down-linking from the satellite within the range of visibility from the data-receiving ground station. Thus, ERSDAC never operated PALSAR in this mode. PALSAR observation modes except for the direct downlink mode are explained as below.

(1) High resolution mode This was the most commonly used observation mode under normal observation operation. When the satellite was launched, its maximum ground resolution of 7m was the highest in the world as a Synthetic Aperture Radar (SAR) (for comparison, SAR onboard JERS-1 had about 18m ground resolution) loaded on a satellite. There were two kinds of observation modes; namely one is the observation mode by single polarization of HH or VV (FBS: High Resolution Mode, Single Polarization), and the other was the observation mode by dual polarization of HH+HV or VV+VH (FBD: High Resolution Mode, Dual Polarization).

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(2) ScanSAR mode ScanSAR mode enabled to switch off-nadir angle from 3 to 5 times (scan by the swath of about 70km) to cover wide area from 250km (70x3) to 350km (70x5) (for comparison, off-nadir angle of SAR onboard JERS-1 was fixed at 35 degrees and swath width was about 75km). However, the ground resolution was inferior to that of High resolution mode.

(3) Polarimetry mode SAR onboard JERS-1 enabled only single-polarization observation, i.e., horizontal polarization transmission/reception, whereas PALSAR realized both horizontal and vertical polarization. PALSAR could also simultaneously receive horizontal and vertical polarization per each polarized transmission, which was called dual polarization simultaneous reception. In addition, PALSAR could switch from horizontal to vertical polarization and vice versa at respective transmission pulse, enabling to obtain four-polarization characteristics of observation target by dual polarization simultaneous reception, a function called full polarimetry.

Figure 2.5-2 shows a conceptual figure of the PALSAR observation operation by each observation mode.

ScanSAR mode (SB#1SB#3) High resolution mode (FB#1~FB#18) Polarimetry mode (PB#1~PB#12)

Figure 2.5-2 Observation modes of PALSAR

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2 Overview of the ALOS

In the meantime, PALSAR observation modes were further detailed by the types of polarizations, off-nadir angles, etc. and the total number of the detailed modes amounted to 132, out of which 10 types of observation modes shown in Table 2.5-5 were regularly used by ERSDAC.

Table 2.5-5 PALSAR Observation Modes Regularly Used by ERSDAC

Observation Mode Mode No. 1 High resolution (Single Polarization) 2 3 4 High resolution (Dual Polarization) 5 6 Polarimetry (Quad Polarization) 7 8 ScanSAR (Wide-area Observation) 9 10 Polari -zation HH HH HH HH+HV HH+HV HH+HV HH+HV +VV+VH HH HH HH Off-nadir Angle (degree) Small Medium Large Small Medium Large Small 20deg. ~30deg. 30 deg. ~40 deg. 40 deg. ~50 deg. 20 deg. ~30 deg. 30 deg. ~40 deg. 40 deg. ~50 deg. 20 deg. ~26 deg. Incident Angle 20 deg. High ~37 deg. 37 deg. High ~47 deg. 47 deg. High ~59 deg. 20 deg. Med. ~37 deg. 37 deg. ~47 deg. 47 deg. ~59 deg. Med Med Resolution Range Azimuth 10m~17m 8m~10m 7m~8m 20m~34m 16m~20m 14m~16m 24m~33m 80m~157m 75m~157m 71m~157m 10m 10m 10m 20m 20m 20m 20m 94m~100m 94m~100m 94m~100m Swath Width 70km 70km 50~70km 70km 70km 50~70km 20~30km 261km 313km 361km

21 deg. Med. ~30 deg. 18 deg. ~37 deg. 18 deg. ~40 deg. 18 deg. ~43 deg. Low Low Low

2.5.2.2

PALSAR Calibration Modes

As a type of PALSAR operational modes, there existed certain calibration modes for the purpose of acquiring data for calibration of observed data. Table 2.5-6 shows a list of PALSAR calibration modes. Out of the calibration modes listed in the Table, the modes conducted at every observation were conducted around 100 seconds before and after the start and the end of operation in the observation mode.

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Table 2.5-6 PALSAR Calibration Modes

Mode of Operation Calibration regularly conducted Noise measurement 1 Noise measurement 2 Calibration conducted at every observation Noise measurement 3 Transmission power monitor Transmission wave pattern monitor Reception REV Outline After terminating transmission/reception module LNA input, noise level is measured for each transmission/reception module, in its on position. After terminating transmission/reception module LNA input, noise level is measured for the entire transmission/reception module system, in its on position. Without terminating transmission/reception module LNA input, noise level is measured, by placing solely the transmission in off position. Transmission power for each transmission/reception module is monitored. By looping back RF signals in the calibration module of the reception unit, a replica of transmission wave pattern is acquired. By receiving RF transmitted from the REV antenna by the observation antenna, correction is made to antenna patterns. Tone signals are used. By receiving RF transmitted from the observation antenna by REV antenna, correction is made to antenna patterns. Tone signals are used. By receiving calibration signals outputted from the REV antenna by the observation antenna, comprehensive characteristics of the reception system are measured. Tone signals are used. By receiving RF outputted from the observation antenna by the REV antenna, comprehensive characteristics of the transmission system are measured. Tone signals are used. Calibration signals are directly connected to reception signals at the reception unit without going through the antenna unit. Tone signals are used. Input/output characteristics of the transmission/reception unit are measured. Calibration signals are directly connected to reception signals at the reception unit without going through the antenna unit. Tone signals are used. ATT characteristics of MGC and STC are measured. Calibration signals are directly connected to reception signals at the reception unit without going through the antenna unit. Tone signals are used. By changing frequency of tone signals, frequency characteristics are measured.

Optional Items

Transmission REV Reception system comprehensive characteristics Transmission system comprehensive characteristics Reception unit input/output characteristics Reception unit ATT characteristics Reception unit frequency characteristics measurement

2.5.2.3

Mode Shifting

Figure 2.5-3 shows the shifting of PALSAR operation modes.

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2 Overview of the ALOS

All-off Mode

HCE ON/OFF

Sleep Mode/ Survival Mode

Signal Generator ON/OFF

Antenna Development Mode

Drive Controller ON Development Monitor ON

Standby Mode
Standby Mode 1 System Control Assembly ON/OFF LLM Standby Mode 2 Transmitter ON/OFF Standby Mode 3
RF Transmission (Transmitter Heat Run)
Parameter setting from ground (Start of operation sequence)

Receiver, Data Processing Assembly, TRM Assembly ON/OFF [*1] Standby Mode 4
Preparation for calibration

Calibration Start/End

Observation Mode
Fine Resolution Mode LLM ScanSAR Mode Observation Start/End

[*1] Calibration

Mode

Noise Measure Mode 1

Noise Measure Mode 2

Direct Downlink Mode

Noise Measure Mode 3

Polarimetric Mode

Transmitter Power Monitor Mode Transmitter Wave Pattern Monitor Mode LLM

[*1]: Status between a calibration mode and another calibration mode is indicated as Standby Mode 4 in HK telemetry data and Auxiliary data. (In HK telemetry data it is not indicated depending on timing)

Figure 2.5-3 Shifting of PALSAR Operation Modes

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3 Overview of PALSAR Operations

3.1 Normal observation of PALSAR
During normal observation operation, PALSAR corresponded to observation mode and target areas designated by JAXA, which was responsible for the operation of ALOS satellite, by accommodating observation requests from agencies including ERSDAC. There were two observation modes for the normal observation operation; one was called standing observation request, in which target areas and observation mode were fixed beforehand, and the other was called weekly observation request, which incorporated and reflected PALSAR observation schedule on weekly basis.

3.1.1 Standing observation request

ERSDAC was incorporating standing observation requests for long-term observation of land area basin and coastal area basin for resource exploration, environmental and disaster monitoring, and so on, as well as some experimental multiple polarization observation requests. Parameters such as observation mode, target area, and frequency were set to meet respective observation purpose. Table 3.1.1 shows observation objectives, observation modes and observation frequency of the standing observation requests from ERSDAC, and Figure 3.1-1 shows observation target areas corresponding to various observation objectives.

Table 3.1-1 Objectives and Observation Target Areas of Standing Observation Requests
Objective Geological structure analysis of target areas. Establishment of database on potential natural resources. Observation mode /Off-nadir High resolution HH / 34.3 deg. Observation frequency Cycle: 30 or less Once a year Cycle: 31 or more Once every two years, 2 ~ 4 times every two years, Eight times every two years. Cycle: 30 or less Twice a year Cycle: 31 or more 2 ~ 4 times a year. Cycle: 30 or less Twice a year 4~11 times every 3 years (Volcanoes) Cycle: 31 or more Twice a year 1 ~ 6 times a year (Volcanoes) Cycle: 30 or less Once every 2 years Cycle: 31 or more Once a year

Detection of natural oil slicks. Monitoring of pollution associated with development of oil/natural gas. Monitoring of disasters, such as landslides, volcanic activities, floods, etc. Environmental monitoring such as forests. International cooperation R&D on mapping and classification methods with respect to forests, biomass, etc. Geological structure analysis on the first stage of resources exploration.

High resolution HH / 34.3 deg. High resolution HH+HV / 34.3 deg. High resolution HH / 34.3 deg. High resolution HH+HV / 34.3 deg.

Polarimetry / 21.5 deg. Polarimetry / 23.1 deg.

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3 Overview of PALSAR Operation

Figure 3.1-1 ERSDACs Standing Observation Requests (Cycle: 31 or more)

3.1.2 Weekly observation request

ERSDAC accepted data acquisition requests from previously approved users, and internally coordinated them into a weekly observation requests. ERSDAC submitted them along with the other fixed observation requests to JAXA, which incorporated them into the scheduling of PALSAR. The users mentioned here required previous approval.

3.2 Urgent observation of PALSAR

Urgent observation, which corresponded to large-scale natural disasters such as volcanic eruption, earthquake, slope failure, flood and others and large-scale accidents such as oil spill from a tanker, and so on, requiring immediate data acquisition, was prioritized over normal observations such as fixed and/or weekly observations.

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4 Outline of the Ground System

4.1 Outline of ALOS Ground System
Operation plan of ALOS sensors including PALSAR was formed in Earth Observation Center (EOC) of JAXA, based on observation requests from ERSDAC and other ALOS related agencies. The completed operation plan was converted into a satellite control command at Tracking and Control Center in Tsukuba Space Center (TKSC) of JAXA and was transmitted to the satellite by way of Data Relay Test Satellite (DRTS) or directly from a ground station. The Tracking and Control Center also acquired data on conditions of satellite (temperature of onboard equipment, satellite attitude and others), called housekeeping telemetry, via DRTS or directly at a ground station, for the purpose to monitor status of the satellite. At the same time, satellite orbit was calculated at the Tracking and Control Center and the results were transmitted to ERSDAC and other agencies via EOC. EOC received and processed data acquired by onboard observation sensors including PALSAR via DRTS/TDRS or directly at the ground station, for provision to users. PALSAR data went through primary processing (called Level 0 data) before being provided to ERSDAC online, where further processing was conducted before provision to users.

ALOS DRTS/TDRS
Observation Data Command, tracking, telemetry & control data Command, tracking telemetry & control data Observation Data Command, tracking, telemetry & control data Observation Data

Tracking & Control Center

ALOS Operation Plan

ALOS Mission Operation System

ERSDAC Data Buffer (EDB)

PALSAR Data (Level 0)

(Installed at EOC) PALSAR Observation Request Orbit data, etc.

PALSAR Ground Data System PALSAR GDS)

Orbit data, etc.

JAXA/TKSC

JAXA/EOC
Figure 4.1-1 ALOS Ground System overview

ERSDAC

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4 Outline of the ground system

4.2 Outline of PALSAR Ground Data System

J-spacesystems has a system called PALSAR Ground Data System (PALSAR GDS) to carry out data processing, etc of PALSAR data. PALSAR GDS mainly consists of four subsystems, i.e., IMS, CSMS, PGS and EDB.
Other Systems in J-spacesystems

J-spacesystems /PALSAR GDS

IMS

JAXA
ALOS Mission Operation System

ASTER GDS PGS

CSMS EDB

Internet
IMS : Information Management Subsystem CSMS: : Communication and System Management Subsystem PGS : Product Generation Subsystem EDB : ERSDAC Data Buffer

LAN Dedicated Line (Broad) Dedicated Line (Narrow)

Users

Note: EDB and Dedicated Line (Broad) were removed after the end of PALSAR operation. Figure 4.2-1 PALSAR GDS structure

4.2.1 CSMSCommunication and System Management Subsystem

Communication and System Management Subsystem (CSMS) is designed to control communications among inner subsystems of PALSAR GDS, data processing schedule and ground system resources, coordinate schedule with JAXA and remotely control exterior ERSDAC Data Buffer (EDB).

4.2.2 PGSProduct Generation Subsystem

Product Generation Subsystem (PGS) processes Level 1.0, standard and higher level products, in addition to administration, storage and distribution of products and documents to users.

4.2.3 IMSInformation Management Subsystem

Information Management Subsystem (IMS) receives requests of data acquisition and processing from users, provides all sorts of information to users, coordinates observation schedule and administers charge and payment of products.

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4.2.4 EDBERSDAC Data Buffer

ERSDAC Data Buffer (EDB) was a devise to provisionally store Level 0 data, etc. of PALSAR provided by JAXA. EDB partially comprised PALSAR GDS and was installed inside EOC of JAXA. EDB and the high-speed line which connected EDB and CSMS were removed after the end of PALSAR operation.

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4 Outline of the ground system

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5 PALSAR Products
The data obtained by PALSAR are transformed to various forms of products through processing in phases by PALSAR GDS (Ground Data System) and then provided to users as products. PALSAR had a number of functions, such as High resolution mode to obtain data with a resolution of 10 meters, ScanSAR mode which was capable of observing wide areas, and Polarimetry mode to acquire data by way of quad polarization. By combining these observation modes with different processing levels, numerous types of products are produced. PALSAR products consist of 5 processing levels. Level 1.0 Product is the raw signal data of PALSAR's various observation modes. Level 1.1 Product is SLC (Single Look Complex) of each of the observation modes except for ScanSAR mode and includes information about amplitude and phases. Level 1.5 Product is the product of High resolution mode by single polarization. Level 4.1 Product is the product of High resolution mode by dual polarization or the product of Polarimetry mode (or quad polarization), and Level 4.2 Product is the product of ScanSAR mode.

The relationships between PALSAR observation modes and processing levels are shown in Figure 5-1.
Observation Mode Raw Data Level 1.0 (RAW)

High Resolution
Single Polarization Single Polarization Dual Polarization Dual Polarization
Dividing data par polarization

Polarimetry
Quad Polarization Quad Polarization
Dividing data par polarization

ScanSAR
Wide Area Wide Area

Level 1.1 (SLC)

Single Polarization Single Polarization

Dual Polarization

Quad Polarization

Level 1.5

Level 4.1

Dual Polarization

Quad Polarization Wide Area

Level 4.2

Figure 5-1 Relationships between PALSAR Observation Modes and Processing Levels

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5 PALSAR Products

5.1 Definition of Products 5.1.1 Level 1.0 Product

Level 1.0 Product is the data extracted for specific scenes, after detecting operational errors and performing a basic processing of byte-unit arrangements, etc., but is an uncorrected but repackaged data in the CEOS standard format without undergoing radiometric corrections such as calculation of backscatter factors (0) and geometric corrections such as map projections. Polarimetry mode data are thereby segregated based on the types of polarization. The outline of Level 1.0 Product is shown in Table 5.1-1.

Table 5.1-1 Outline of Level 1.0 Product

Item Coordinate System Format Data Type Data Volume Range Image Size Azimuth Range Observation Width Azimuth Beam Nominal Incident Angle Parameter Slant range CEOS Unsigned 8-bit integer type (I, Q) depending on the observation mode depending on the observation mode depending on the observation mode 20 ~ 98km, 250km, 300km, 350km 70km, 250km, 300km, 350km High resolution mode 1 ~ 18, ScanSAR mode 1 ~ 5, Full polarimetry mode 1 ~ 12 8 ~ 60 deg.

5.1.2 Level 1.1 Product

Level 1.1 Products are those data which are performed with the following processing to Level 1.0 data of High resolution mode as well as the Polarimetry mode.

Range compression using Fast Fourier Transform (FFT) Secondary range compression using range migration compensation Range migration curvature corrections Azimuth compression Polarization calibration (polarization data only)

The number of looks in range and that in azimuth are both 1, and the Products are complex data on slant range, which include information about amplitude and phases. The outline of Level 1.1 Product is shown in Table 5.1-2 and a sample image of Level 1.1 Product is shown in Figure 5.1-1.

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Table 5.1-2 Outline of Level 1.1 Product

Mode Item Coordinate System Format Data Type Data Volume Pixel Image Size Line Pixel Observation Width Line Pixel Number of Looks Line Beam Nominal Incident Angle Coordinate System Format Data Type Data Volume Pixel Image Size Line Pixel Observation Width Line Pixel Number of Looks Line Beam Nominal Incident Angle Parameter Slant range Vexcel SLC Signed 32 bit floating point numbers (I, Q) 265 MB ~ 1.7 GB 1440 ~ 11488 16750 ~ 24038 40 ~ 98km 70km 1 1 High resolution 1 ~ 18 7.9 ~ 60.0 deg. Slant range Vexcel SLC Signed 32 bit floating point numbers (I, Q) 96 ~ 210MB 688 ~ 1440 15924 ~ 19920 21 ~ 77km 70km 1 1 Multi-polarization 1 ~ 12 7.9 ~ 30.1 deg.

Fine Resolution /Dual Polarization

MultiPolarization

Figure 5.1-1 Sample Image of Level 1.1 Product

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5.1.3 Level 1.5 Product

Level 1.5 products are those data that are performed with the following processing to Level 1.0 (raw) data of High resolution mode.

Range compression using Fast Fourier Transform (FFT) Secondary range compression using range migration compensation Range migration curvature corrections Azimuth compression Multi-look processing Conversion from slant range to ground range

The data executed with the above processing are Geo-referenced Product. The difference between Level 1.1 Product and Level 1.5 Product is whether the multi-look processing and conversion from slant range to ground range are performed or not. Besides Geo-referenced Product, there exist Geo-coded data which are processed so that the north direction of the observed image corresponds to the upper direction of the image (see Figure 5.1-2). Both geo-referenced and geo-coded images are products that are projected at 0 meter above sea level. Additionally, ortho-rectified Level 1.5 Geo-coded product is available. The outline of Level 1.5 Product is shown in Table 5.1-3, and a sample image of Level 1.5 Product is shown in Figure 5.1-3.

Geo-referenced Figure 5.1-2

Geo-coded Geo-referenced and Geo-coded Images

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Table 5.1-3 Outline of Level 1.5 Product

Option for Corrections Item Coordinate System Format Data Type Data Volume Pixel Image Size Line Pixel Observation width Line Pixel Pixel Spacing Line Pixel Number of Looks Line Beam Nominal Incident Angle Coordinate System Format Data Type Data Volume Pixel Image Size Map Projection Line (Geo-coded) Pixel Observation width Line Pixel Pixel Spacing Line Pixel Number of Looks Line Beam Nominal Incident Angle *1: Output intervals of 5 m and 10 m are feasible. Parameter Ground range CEOS Signed 16 bit integer 22MB ~ 251MB 3902 ~ 11000 2701 ~ 10801 40 ~ 98km 70km 6.25, 12.5, 25 m*1 6.25, 12.5, 25 m*1 1 2~7 High resolution 1 ~ 18 7.9 ~ 60.0 deg. Map (UTM, PS) CEOS and GeoTIFF (Ortho products: ERSDAC and GeoTIFF) Signed 16 bit integer number (Ortho products: 32 bit float and unsigned 16 bit integer) 44 ~ 501MB 4469 ~ 15838 4469 ~ 15838 78 ~ 118km 78 ~ 118km 6.25, 12.5, 25 m*1 6.25, 12.5, 25 m*1 1 2~7 High resolution 1 ~ 18 7.9 ~ 60.0 deg.

Pass Product (Geo-referenced)

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Figure 5.1-3 Sample Image of Level 1.5 Product

5.1.4 Level 4.1 Product

Level 4.1 Products are the data that are performed with the following processing to Level 1.1 data with respect to dual polarization data of High resolution mode and quad polarization data of polarimetry mode.

Range compression using fast Fourier transform (FFT) Secondary range compression using range migration compensation Range migration curvature corrections Azimuth compression Multi-look processing Conversion of coordination system from slant range to ground range (for only Geo-coded data)

Furthermore, these are the data on slant range, which have calculated cross-products capable of making Stokes matrices to effectively utilize polarization data. These are Geo-referenced data, and there exist also Geo-coded data which are those data that are processed so that the north direction of the observed image corresponds to the upper direction of the image. In Geo-coded data, slant range is converted to ground range. Additionally, ortho-rectified Level 4.1 Geo-coded product is

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available. The outline of Level 4.1 Product is shown in Table 5.1-4, and a sample image (synthesized color image) of Level 4.1 Product is shown in Figure 5.1-4.

Table 5.1-4 Outline of Level 4.1 Product

Quad Polarization Dual Polarization Slant range Slant range CEOS CEOS Signed (unsigned) 16 bit Signed (unsigned) 16 bit Data Type integer *1 integer *2 Data Volume 30MB ~ 80MB 23MB ~ 262MB Image Size Pixel 688 ~ 1424 1456 ~ 5728 Line 1647 ~ 3294 1899 ~ 6232 Pass Product Pixel 20 ~ 65km 40 ~ 98km Observation (Geo-referenced) width Line 70km 70km Pixel 9.37 m 9.37 m Pixel Spacing (Pixel) Line 20.49 ~ 40.99 m 10.83 ~ 35.56 m Pixel 1 1 Number of Looks Line 5 ~ 13 3 ~ 13 Beam Multi-polarization 1 ~ 12 High resolution 1 ~ 18 Nominal Incident Angle 7.9 ~ 30.1 deg. 7.9 ~ 30.1 deg. Coordinate System Map (UTM, PS) Map (UTM, PS CEOS and GeoTIFF CEOS and GeoTIFF Format (Ortho products: ERSDAC and (Ortho products: ERSDAC and GeoTIFF) GeoTIFF) Signed (unsigned) 16 bit Signed (unsigned) 16 bit integer *1 integer *2 Data Type (Ortho products: 32 bit float and (Ortho products: 32 bit float and unsigned 16 bit integer) unsigned 16 bit integer) Data Volume 76 ~ 210MB 43 ~ 502MB Map Projection Image Size Pixel 2054 ~ 3423 2334 ~ 7919 (Geo-coded) Line 2054 ~ 3423 2334 ~ 7919 Pixel 64 ~ 96km 78 ~ 118km Observation width Line 64 ~ 96km 78 ~ 118km Pixel 12.5, 25, 50 m 12.5, 25, 50 m Pixel Spacing (Pixel) Line 12.5, 25, 50 m 12.5, 25, 50 m Pixel 1 1 Number of Looks Line 5 ~ 13 3 ~ 13 Beam Multi-polarization 1 ~ 12 High resolution 1 ~ 18 Nominal Incident Angle 7.9 ~ 30.1 deg. 7.9 ~ 30.1 deg. *1: 9 channels (3 real numbers and 3 complexes) *2: 4 channels (2 real numbers and 1 complex) Coordinate System Format Option for Corrections Item Parameter

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5 PALSAR Products

Color composite picture is generated by allocating each polarization data provided as Level 4.1 product (acquired as multi polarization mode) to B:G:R.

*Lattice-like windbreak forest: Windbreak forest that consists mainly of fast-growing larches, stretching through the Konsen Plateau with about 3km distance between the lattices (forst belt 180m in width, 648km in total length).

Figure 5.1-4 Sample of a Synthesized Color Image of Level 4.1 Product

5.1.5 Level 4.2 Product

ScanSAR observation mode is a mode to obtain wider observation area compared with high resolution observation mode, by utilizing the function of variable off-nadir angles, at the sacrifice of high resolution to some extent. The principle is to change off-nadir angles by dividing the synthetic aperture length into n segments (n scanning) and changing the off-nadir angle for each segment, to observe adjacent scan areas. Changes in off-nadir angles (switching of electric wave radiation directions) can be done instantly, as phases are altered electronically. This mode is expected to be used for disaster observation, simultaneous observation of wide areas, ocean observation, etc.

Level 4.2 Products are those data that are performed with the following processing to Level 1.0 data of ScanSAR mode. Processing of ScanSAR burst mode data

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Range compression Range migration curvature corrections Azimuth compression by SPECAN chirp-Z transform Range multi-look processing Overlay processing Conversion from slant range to ground range

These data are Geo-referenced data and in addition, there exist Geo-coded data which are those data that are map-projected according to the requests from users and processed so that the north direction of the observed images corresponds to the upper direction of the image. Both are data on ground-range. Additionally, ortho-rectified Level 4.2 Geo-coded product is available. The outline of Level 4.2 Product is shown in Table 5.1-5, and a sample image of Level 4.2 Product is shown in Figure 5.1-5. Table 5.1-5 Outline of Level 4.2 Product
Option for Corrections Item Coordinate System Format Data Type Pass Product (Geo-referenced) Data Volume Pixel Image Size Line Pixel Observation Width Line Pixel Number of Looks Line Pixel Pixel Spacing Line Beam Nominal Incident Angle Coordinate System Format Parameter Mode 1 Mode 2 Ground range Ground range CEOS CEOS Unsigned 16 bit Unsigned 16 bit integer integer 65, 77, 88MB 252, 301, 343MB 5440, 6520, 7460 10880, 13040, 14950 6000 12000 272km, 326km, 373km 272km, 326km, 373km 300km 300km 4 4 2 1 25, 50m 12.5, 25, 50m 25, 50m 12.5, 25, 50m Wide-area 1 ~ 5 Wide-area 1 ~ 5 18.0 ~ 43.0 deg. 18.0 ~ 43.0 deg. Map (UTM, PS) Map (UTM, PS) CEOS and GeoTIFF CEOS and GeoTIFF (Ortho products: ERSDAC (Ortho products: ERSDAC and GeoTIFF) and GeoTIFF) Unsigned 16 bit Unsigned 16 bit integer integer (Ortho products: 32 bit float (Ortho products: 32 bit float and unsigned 16 bit integer) and unsigned 16 bit integer) 127, 151, 175MB 500, 599, 693MB 8080, 8840, 9520 16160, 17680, 19040 8080, 8840, 9520 16160, 17680, 19040 404km, 442km, 476km 404km, 442km, 476km 404km, 442km, 476km 404km, 442km, 476km 4 4 2 1 25, 50m 12.5, 25, 50m 25, 50m 12.5, 25, 50m Wide-area 1 ~ 5 Wide-area 1 ~ 5 18.0 ~ 43.0 deg. 18.0 ~ 43.0 deg.

Data Type Map Projection (Geo-coded) Data Volume Pixel Image Size Line Pixel Observation Width Line Pixel Number of Looks Line Pixel Pixel Spacing Line Beam Nominal Incident Angle

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Figure 5.1-5 Sample Image of Level 4.2 Product

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5.2 Outline of Processing Algorithm

We would like to introduce here the processing algorithm for PALSAR Products. The details of the algorithm are elucidated in the PALSAR Algorithm Theoretical Basis Document provided by J-Spacesystems via PALSAR project website.

Figure 5.2-1 shows PALSAR Data Processing Flow.

SAR Raw Data

Level 0 Editing

Level 1.0 Processing

Synchronized Processing

Bit Error Correction

Estimation of Doppler Parameters - Doppler central frequency - Doppler frequency shifting rate

CEOS Level 1.0 Data

Format Conversion to CEOS

Level 1.0 Data

Doppler Parameters

Level 1.1 Processing

Level 1.5 Processing

Level 4.1 Processing

Level 4.2 Processing

Figure 5.2-1 PALSAR Data Processing Flow

5.2.1 Processing Algorithm for Level 1.0 Product

Processing of Level 1.0 is divided into two large segments, namely one is synchronized processing and the other is preparatory processing. In the synchronized processing, byte data inputted mainly from EDB are received and frame synchronous processing of the data is performed.

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In the preparatory processing, frame synchronized data are received after synchronized processing is performed and bit error analysis and correction of data are performed. Also, latitude, longitude, time, etc. for each frame are made, and the data to produce higher level data are prepared. Processing flow of Level 1.0 Product is shown in Figure 5.2-2.

Synchronized Processing

Bit Error Correction

Estimation of Doppler Parameters - Doppler central frequency - Doppler frequency change rate

Figure 5.2-2 Processing Flow of Level 1.0 Product. (1) Synchronized Processing In the synchronized processing, byte data stream is used as input data, and frame synchronized data are created by detecting frame synchronized code (sync code) of inputted data. In the outputted data, the detected frame is maintained. The decoding of pseudo random noise (PRN) is also conducted at this stage. Furthermore, a comparison of the total number of synchronized bits with the total number of detected errors of sync code is made by the frame synchronizer to estimate the bit error rate (BER). The most important points in synchronized processing are the byte order of downlink data and the frame synchronous processing.

(2) Bit Error Correction Applying filtering algorithm to synchronized data (composed of observation data and supplementary data), detection of errors in the supplementary data and their corrections are performed.

(3) Estimation of Doppler Parameters There are two kinds of Doppler parameters, namely, one is Doppler central frequency fc and the other is Doppler frequency shift rate fr. These are important parameters used in SAR image generation processing such as secondary range compression, SIM corrections, azimuth compression, etc., which will be explained later. Before such processing, estimation of Doppler

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parameters is made. For the image generation processing, it is necessary to correctly estimate Doppler parameters.

5.2.2 Processing Algorithm for Level 1.1 Product

The processing flow of Level 1.1 Product is shown in Figure 5.2-3 and Figure 5.2-4.
SAR

Level 1.0 Data

Doppler parameters

Strip Map Level 1.1 Processing (Patch processing*1)

Corrections of Raw Data - I/Q Bias - AGC, STC Corrections Range FFT FFT Range Compression Range IFFT Azimuth Forward FFT - As preparation for SIM correction Range FFT SIM Correction Range IFFT Range Migration Curvature Correction - Correction formula - Interpolating in slant range SIM phase correction terms ScanSAR 4.2

Range FFT Range reference functions

Application of Radiometric Calibration - Elevation Antenna Pattern Calibration - Absolute Gain Calibration Payload parameter file

Azimuth Compression - Skew correction at same time Azimuth IFFT

Azimuth reference functions

Patch connecting Vexcel/Level 1.1 (SLC) Data

CEOS 4.2

*1 Patch: It is impossible to process strip map data, because its data volume is too big. Therefore, strip map data is divide d into small-sized data called Patch, and is processed by the unit of Patch.

Figure 5.2-3 Processing Flow of Level 1.1 Product (with no polarization)

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Level 1.0 Data Doppler parameter

0 Strip Map Level 4.1 Processing

Same as Level 1.1 Processing - for each polarization (dual or quad polarization)

SLC Data (HH) SLC Data (HV) SLC Data (VH) SLC Data (VV)

Polarization Processing - Appling polarization correction

Payload parameter file

1.1

SLC Data (HH)

SLC Data (HV)

SLC Data (VH)

SLC Data (VV)

Vexcel/ 4(2) Polarization Level 1.1 (SLC) Data CEOS

Figure 5.2-4 Processing Flow of Level 1.1 Product (with polarization)

(1) Corrections of Raw Data Raw data correction processing includes corrections of I/Q bias (imbalance), corrections of Automatic Gain Control (AGC), and corrections of Sensitivity Time Control (STC).

(a) I/Q Bias PALSAR raw data are digitalized from continuously changing analogue signals through

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separation of in-phase components and quadrature components using a phase detecting circuit. Then, in-phase components are treated as I channel and quadrature components as channel Q, both in complex figures, and data maintaining amplitude and phase information are recorded. Because of the conversion characteristics at the time of analogue-digital conversion, corrections are made to adjust values of the data to match those that are expected to be possessed by the original signals.

(b) AGC Correction Automatic Gain Control (AGC) is to keep the output of receivers at a certain fixed level by increasing sensitivity when electric waves are weak and decreasing it when they are strong, aiming at performing AGC corrections of raw data by using AGC data of the SAR signal receiver. AGC is constant in the direction of range, while it changes in the direction of azimuth, and AGC data (decreased values) obtained by monitoring are recorded as telemetry data. AGC corrections are performed by multiplying the amplitude of range signals by the reciprocal of the gain of AGC data (decreased values) recorded as telemetry data.

(c) STC Correction Data are corrected by Sensitivity Time Control (STC) to rectify the changes in levels within the scanning width due to antenna patterns, etc. This is an operation to change gains within the receiving apparatus to levelize temporal changes of receiving signals, which occur as a result of the angle changes of vertical patterns of antenna gains as well as the changes in distance between objects and the antenna. The starting time of STC is altered in accordance with the satellite orbit and pulse-repeating frequency.

(2) Range Compression Signals whose frequency has been linearly modulated (linearly frequency-modulated signals, chirp signals) are compressed to pulses having narrow width and large amplitude through correlation processing with reference functions. By using this phenomenon, SAR data are transmitted as chirp signals, which are back-scattered at the point target on the ground, and high resolution is obtained by performing correlation processing on received signals later. When this pulse compression method is applied to the direction of range, it is specifically called range compression. Range compression is a correlation processing within the range of frequency based on range reference functions.

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(3) SIM Correction SAR normally observes its exact horizontal direction, but when conducting observation by directing beams forwards or backwards (squinting) (see Figure 5.2-5) or when the range skew gets larger, the time bandwidth product of Doppler signal on one azimuth gets smaller, as the time length of a target within one azimuth line gets shorter. Therefore, in the range-Doppler method, the azimuth spectrum extends over plural azimuth lines, and impulse responses in the range direction get lower. Although one of the ways to avoid the lowering of resolution in the range direction in the range-Doppler method is considered to be the range skew corrections before azimuth compression, its effect is said to be small when the range skew is large. Thus, as a means to be also effective for large skews, Secondary Range Compression (SRC) was contrived. This is a method to make corrections in the range direction by applying correction functions to spectrum diffusion over plural azimuth lines. In addition, Squint Image Mode (SIM) corrections were contrived by extending secondary range compression to the azimuth direction. As the degree of spectrum diffusion changes relative to the frequency in the azimuth direction, there are cases for the secondary range compression that errors occur when the frequency goes away from the Doppler central frequency. SIM correction is the secondary range compression utilizing the correction functions relying upon frequencies in the azimuth directions taking such effect into consideration. In PALSAR processing, SIM corrections are performed during the High resolution mode processing, before the azimuth compression is conducted. In case of ScanSAR mode processing, the secondary range compression is implemented at the time of range compression.

Figure 5.2-5 Squint Observation

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While corrections in the range direction are sufficient for SRC, corrections in the azimuth direction as well are needed for SIM, and such corrections are made by implementing the Fourier transform for both range and azimuth directions between the range compression and the azimuth compression. While in case of SRC, a correction item of the secondary range compression is added at the time of a conventional range compression, in case of SIM, the conventional range compression is left unchanged and corrections are conducted independently at the time of conducting the range FFT and the azimuth FFT.

(4) Range Migration Curvature Correction The range migration curve occurs, because the time of signals going and returning in the slant range, namely the reception time, changes in a quadratic-function manner due to the change in the slant range between the satellite and the target on the ground. As a result, point targets are recorded over different azimuth lines. In this situation, compression processing for each azimuth line is not possible. The processing to rearrange signals distributed over several azimuth lines so that they are placed on one azimuth line in a straight line is called range migration curvature
xxxxxx xxxxxx xxxxxx

correction.
Range Range

xxxxxxxxx xxxxxxxxx

0
f

Azimuth

Azimuth

Figure 5.2-6 Range Migration Curvature Correction (5) Application of Radiometric Calibration A correction amount obtained by radiometric calibration is applied to the data. There are two types of radiometric calibration; namely, one is Elevation Antenna Pattern Calibration and the other is Absolute Gain Calibration. The Elevation Antenna Pattern Calibration is performed to eliminate influence on gains due to the elevation antenna pattern, and the values are obtained by external calibration using Amazon tropical rain forests. The Absolute Gain Calibration is performed to obtain absolute gains by eliminating affects on other comprehensive gains and the absolute gains are such values that are

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obtained through external calibration using a point target placed on the calibration site. These values are obtained by other processors (calibration processors) and stored in the file called payload parameter file storing calibrated results, and values are taken from this file for application.

(6) Azimuth Compression Like the range compression, processing to perform pulse compression in the direction of azimuth through correlation with reference functions is called azimuth compression. By this operation, azimuth resolution can be improved. Methods used for azimuth compression are different for the High resolution mode and the ScanSAR mode. In the High resolution mode, range Doppler algorithm using the above-mentioned Squint Image Mode (SIM) corrections is used. In the ScanSAR mode, Spectral Analysis (SPECAN) algorithm (see Section 5.2.5) accompanying secondary range compression and chirp-Z transform are used.

(7) Polarization Processing Polarization calibration is performed to equalize the phases between dual polarization data and multi-polarization data. Without performing this processing, dual polarization and multi-polarization data cannot be used.

5.2.3 Processing Algorithm for Level 1.5 Product

The processing flow of Level 1.5 Product is shown in Figure 5.2-7.

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Level 1.0 Data

Doppler Parameter

Strip Map Level 1.5 processing (Patch processing)

Same processing as Level 1.1 (without polarization)

Multi-look processing Azimuth IFFT Skew correction (option)

Patch connecting GLI Data (Interim L1.5 Data)

Map Projection Conversion Format Conversion to CEOS Format Conversion to CEOS CEOS Level 1.5 Data (Geo-coded data)

CEOS Level 1.5 Data (Geo-referenced data)

Figure 5.2-7 Processing Flow of Level 1.5 Products (1) Multi-look Processing Speckle noise, which is characteristic to SAR images, increases in proportion as signals get bigger. This is because speckles increase in a multiple manner, and if speckles exist, the surface of SAR images becomes rough particles and images get inferior. The azimuth resolution of azimuth compressed images is normally better than the range resolution. Because such images that have the range resolution matching the azimuth resolution are generally preferred, it is possible to lower speckle noise by lowering the azimuth resolution by way of equalization in the azimuth direction. Multi-look processing is one of the ways to realize this, and it equalizes azimuth compressed images within a temporal territory.

(2) Skew Correction Range skew, which is the primary element of the range migration curve, gives some distortion to final images. Skew correction is a kind of processing to eliminate this range skew.

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Extract

Figure 5.2-8 Skew Correction

5.2.4 Processing Algorithm for Level 4.1 Product

Processing flow of PALSAR Level 4.1 Product is shown in Figure 5.2-9.
SAR 0 1.0 Strip Map Level 4.1 Processing Level 1.0 Data Doppler Parameter

Same processing as Level 1.1 - for each polarization (dual or quad polarization)

1.1

CEOS

IQ AGC STC 1.1 Polarization Processing - Appling polarization correction Payload parameter file SLC Data (HH) SLC Data (HV) SLC Data (VH) SLC Data (VV)

SLC Data (HH)

SLC Data (HV)

SLC Data (VH)

SLC Data (VV)

Cross-Product Processing

Cross-Product Data

Format Conversion to CEOS CEOS CEOS Level 4.1 Data (Geo-referenced data)

Map Projection Conversion Conversion to Ground Range Format Conversion to CEOS

CEOS Level 4.1 Data (Geo-coded data)

OS 1.5

Figure 5.2-9 Processing Flow for Level 4.1 Product (1) Cross-Product Processing In PALSAR multi-polarization observation, four kinds of complex-amplitude images are obtained. The four kinds of data correspond to the four elements of scattering matrix. The

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scattering matrix represents polarization scattering characteristics of the target, and is the function of radar parameters (frequency, incident angle, polarization condition, etc.) as well as target parameters (size, shape, materials, etc.). The scattering matrix represents every change in the magnitude of electromagnetic field at the time of scattering, the direction of vector, phases, etc. and can get calculation results for any kind of combination of various polarizations. However, in the analysis of scattering power, arithmetic mean of pixel values is important, but scattering matrix cannot process additively. As in case of SAR processing, data are treated by averaging or multi-look processing, scattering matrix is not suitable for presentation of SAR data. Similar to scattering matrix, Stokes matrix expresses polarization dependency of scattering characteristics of the target. Because Stokes matrix is possessed of additivity, it is suitable for the handling of SARs multi-polarization. Cross product is created during the course of conversion from scattering matrix to Stokes matrix, and this becomes the output of PALSAR Level 4.1 Product (Figure 5.2-10). By calculating six cross products from the scattering matrix, Stokes matrix is obtained. By using the Stokes matrix, images corresponding to arbitrary transmission/reception polarization can be created. Polarization signature is the scattering strength depicted two-dimensionally by arbitrarily combining polarizations of incident waves and reflected waves. This is a visualization of the scattering characteristics of the target against micro waves and shows specific patterns according to the type of the target. By PALSAR multi-polarization observation, it is possible to precisely comprehend the difference in scattering characteristics of the objects on the ground. Cross products are made as the output of Level 4.1 Product for the dual polarization data of High resolution mode as well (Figure 5.2-11).

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HH Data

VH Data

HV Data

VV Data

Phase correction SHH SVH

Phase correction SHV

Phase correction SVV

SHH = (SHV+SVH)/2

IHHHH=SHHS HH, * IHHHV=SHHS HV,

IHVHV=SHVS HV, * IHHVV=SHHS VV,

IVVVV=SVVS VV 3 Real numbers x 2 Bytes * IHVVVV=SHVS VV 3 Complex numbers x 4 Bytes Total 18 Bytes

Figure 5.2-10 Cross-Product Processing of Quad-Polarization Data

HH Data

HV Data

Phase correction

SHH

SHV

IHHHH=SHHS HH, * IHHHV=SHHS HV

IHVHV=SHVS HV

2 Real numbers x 2 Bytes 1 Complex numbers x 4 Bytes Total 8 Bytes

Figure 5.2-11 Cross-Product Processing of Dual-Polarization Data

5.2.5 Processing Algorithm for Level 4.2 Product

Generation flow of Level 4.2 Product is shown in Figure 5.2-12.

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R
Level 1.0 Data Doppler Parameter

1.0
ScanSAR Level 4.2 Processing (Burst Processing)

Raw Data Correction - I/Q Bias - AGC correction - STC correction Secondary Range Compression Correction Terms Range FFT Range FFT Range Compression Range IFFT Azimuth FFT Range Migration Curvature Correction - Correction formula - Interpolating in ground range Azimuth IFFT SPECAN Processing using Chirp Transform - Azimuth Deramp Processing - Azimuth Compression by using Chirp Z Transform Azimuth Reference Function Chirp Transform Function Azimuth Antenna Pattern Range Reference Function

1.1

Burst Data

Overlay Processing and Multi-look Processing

Interim Level 4.2 Data

CEOS
Format Conversion to CEOS

Map Projection Conversion

Format Conversion to CEOS

CEOS Level 4.2 Data (Geo-referenced data)

CEOS Level 4.2 Data (Geo-coded data)

Figure 5.2-12 Processing Flow of Level 4.2 Product

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(1) SPECAN Processing using Chirp Transform For the azimuth compression in ScanSAR mode, Spectral Analysis (SPECAN) algorithm accompanied by secondary-range compression and Chirp-z transform algorithm is used. At the stage of pre-processing of azimuth compression processing, zero filling is performed to each burst of ScanSAR to conduct FFT. As the burst length is shorter than that of the data of High resolution mode, larger amount of zero filling is required but this makes calculation inefficient. Here, SPECAN algorithm is used as an alternative for the Range-Doppler method. Because SPECAN is efficient in terms of calculation and capable of making images of a quality meeting theoretical specifications, SPECAN algorithm is used in ScanSAR. Meanwhile, with respect to the images after azimuth compression using SPECAN processing, the pixel interval of azimuth is a function of the Doppler-frequency variation rate, and thus, some compensation is needed in order to obtain pixels of a certain fixed interval. To avoid this compensation, chirp-z transform algorithm is used. Secondary range compression has been done at the time of range compression preceding this operation.

(2) Overlay Processing and Multi-look Processing Level 4.2 processing for ScanSAR mode is performed by the burst unit to the stage of azimuth compression processing. Overlay processing is conducted at the end of Level 4.2 processing and each processed burst is united. First, each processed burst is united in the output overlay buffer and then, by averaging the data detected in the overlay buffer, azimuth looks are obtained (as for the multi-look processing, see Section 5.2.3). Before obtaining range looks, data are re-sampled to the ground range grid with fine intervals and then, by averaging the data detected in the overlay buffer, range looks are obtained.

5.3 Product Format

Of all the PALSAR products available to users from J-spacesystems, Level 1.0, 1.5, 4.1 and 4.2 are provided in CEOS super structure format. Geo-coded products of Level 1.5, 4.1 and 4.2 are provided in GeoTIFF file in addition to CEOS file. Ortho products of Level 1.5, 4.1 and 4.2 are provided in ERSDAC format file and GeoTIFF file instead of CEOS. Level 1.1 products are provided in the format called Vexcel SLC (Single Look Complex). This chapter outlines each of the formats. Please visit the document download page in the PALSAR website of J-spacesystems to download more detailed information on the formats.

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5.3.1 CEOS Superstructure Format

PALSAR products of Level 1.0, 1.5, 4.1 and 4.2 are provided in CEOS superstructure format. CEOS superstructure was developed to enable simplified reading and writing of different products acquired by similar sensors. An international earth observation organization, Committee on Earth Observation Satellite (CEOS) developed the format. Originally, the format was developed for Landsat mission but now it is widely applied to earth observation data including SAR. CEOS superstructure is a format to consolidate files into a package, which consists of volume directory file, data file and null volume directory file.

5.3.1.1

Volume directory file

Overall structure (physical and logical structures of volume, File Pointer Record and so on) of the dataset is described. Volume description record comes first, followed by file pointer record corresponding to each data file within the category of logical volume and unspecified number of free style text record comes in the end as an option.

5.3.1.2

Data file

Actual observation data is stored. The first record is called File Descriptor Record, which explains how to interpret record content. Also, file class is allocated to each data file for categorization. Normally, each product contains 3 data files, namely Leader File, Data File and Trailer File. Leader File is used to record image information (information characteristic to a sensor, product type, identifiers of sensors and missions and others). Data File consists of several data records on image and supplemental information (quality cord, data on ground location and others). Trailer File is used to record quality information and supplemental information.

5.3.1.3

Null Volume Directory File

The file shows the terminal point of the whole product and located at the end of the logical volume. CEOS superstructure format of PALSAR Level 1.0, 1.5, 4.1 and 4.2 is illustrated in the Figure 5.3-1 on the following page. Records included in Level 1.0 product are different from those of the other products.

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Figure 5.3-1 PALSAR CEOS superstructure format

Level 1.0 O O O Level 1.5, 4.1, 4.2 O O O

Volume Directory File Volume Descriptor File Pointer Record Text Record

SAR Leader File Descriptor Record Data Set Summary Map Projection Data Platform Position Data Radiometric Data Radiometric Compensation Data O O O O O O O O O

SAR Data File Descriptor Record Signal Data Processed Data SAR Trailer File Descriptor Record Data Set Summary Data Quality Summary Signal Data Histogram Processed Data Histogram Detailed Processing Parameters Platform Position Data O O O O O O O O O O O O

Null Volume Directory File Null Volume Descriptor O O

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5.3.2

Vexcel SLC format

Vexcel SLC format was developed by Vexcel Corporation in the U.S. for the purpose to store Single Look Complex (SLC) data of SAR data. Real and imaginary parts of SLC data, which are in complex numbers, are stored in the form of 4-byte pixel each. Also, a parameter file, which consists of 3 blocks and 1 tag, is included in the format as shown below.

5.3.2.1

Sensor information block

Sensor information such as name of satellite, off nadir angle, incident angle, pulse length, beam information such as polarization and orbit information are included in the block.

Figure 5.3-2 Vexcel SLC formatsensor information block

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5.3.2.2

Flight pass direction tag

Flight pass direction tag shows whether observation data stored in a product was acquired on descending or ascending orbit.

5.3.2.3

Raw SAR image information block

Information on input data of PALSAR Level 1.1 product is stored.

Figure 5.3-3 Vexcel SLC formatRaw SAR image information block

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5.3.2.4

SLC product information block

Information on SLC image PALSAR Level 1.1 product is stored.

Figure 5.3-4 Vexcel SLC formatSLC product information block

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6 Outline of Data Calibration

6.1 Calibration Items
Calibration, making use of Corner Reflector (CR), Polarimetric Active Radar Calibrator (PARC) and Ground Control Point (GCP), was conducted for geometric and radiometric characteristics as well as for multi-polarization.

For geometric characteristics, GCP, PARC and CR were used. For radiometric characteristics, CR and PARC were used. For multi-polarization, PARC was used. Making use of the Amazon tropical rain forests, the antenna pattern in the range direction was acquired.

6.2 Calibration Equipment

In this Section, Polarimetric Active Radar Calibrator (PARC) and Corner Reflector (CR) used for calibration of PALSAR data are explained.

(1) PARC This is the type of equipment developed with the objective of calibrating PALSAR data, by receiving and recording electric waves transmitted from PALSAR. PARC corresponded not only to the single polarization but also to the multi-polarization. Below stated are the main specifications of PARC, and Figure 6.2-1 shows the appearance of PARC.

Single antenna: Center frequency 1,270 GHz (band width 100 MHz) Variable radar cross-sectional dimension: 10 ~ 60 dBm2 (with the automatic temperature correction function) Cross polarization isolation: 25dB or more

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Figure 6.2-1 Appearance of PARC (2) Corner Reflector Corner Reflector is a reflector to reflect incidented electric waves in the incidented direction. CR is being used widely as the calibration target for SAR, as its structure is simple and can be manufactured at a relatively low cost. Below stated are the main specifications of CR used for calibration of PALSAR data, and Figure 6.2-2 shows the appearance of CR.

Trihedral Corner Reflector Radar cross-sectional dimension: 30.8 dBm2 Weight: about 80 kg Size: 3,000 x 2,100 x 2,100 mm

Figure 6.2-2 Appearance of Corner Reflector

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6.3 Calibration Experiment Program

Initial calibration of PALSAR data was jointly performed by ERSDAC and JAXA after launch of ALOS. Field calibration campaign was conducted in the manner shown in the following table. Moreover, calibration data acquired by national and international institutes were used for PALSAR data calibration.

Table 6.3-1 Initial Calibration Campaign Program

Campaign period Calibration Equipment Calibration Site 3 months ~ 8 months after launch PARC, CR, JAXA's EOC Antenna Kanto Plain (18 sites), Aichi Prefecture (2 sites) Fine Beam Single / 21.5, 34.3, 41.5 Fine Beam Dual / 34.3, 41.5 Polarimetry / 21.5 ScanSAR (Ascending and Descending for each observation mode)

Observation mode /off-nadir angle

6.4 Outline of Data Calibration Processing 6.4.1 Data for Calibration

In PALSAR GDS, PALSAR data calibration was performed for the observation data acquired in the modes shown in the table below.

Table 6.4-1 PALSAR Observation Modes for Data Calibration

Mode Polarization Off Nadir Angle

High Resolution Mode (single polarization) High Resolution Mode (dual polarization)
Polarimetry Mode

HH

HH+HV HHHV+VV+VH HH

21.5 34.3 41.5 34.3 41.5 21.5 5 Scans

(quad polarization) ScanSAR Mode

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6.4.2

Overview of Calibration Process

The process of PALSAR data calibration conducted by ERSDAC is shown in Figure 6.4-1.

Geometric Calibration
Geometric Time Offset Calibration
Time Offset

Radiometric Calibration
Elevation Antenna Pattern Calibration
Elevation Antenna Pattern

Absolute Gain Calibration

Absolute Gain

Polarimetric Calibration
Polarimetric Coefficients

Polarimetric Calibration

Figure 6.4-1 PALSAR Data Calibration Flow

6.4.2.1

Geometric Calibration

Geometric calibration was performed first. Geometric calibration was done on the data of multiple beam modes spanning the various look angles of the PALSAR sensor. Analysis of SAR data with ground control points, and estimation of time offsets in rage echo delay and azimuth along-track time was performed as geometric calibration.

6.4.2.2

Radiometric Calibration

In radiometric calibration, Elevation Antenna Pattern Calibration and Absolute Gain Calibration were performed.

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(1) Elevation Antenna Pattern Calibration The Elevation Antenna Pattern calibration was performed to eliminate influence on gains due to the elevation antenna pattern. Elevation Antenna Pattern calibration involved analyzing SAR data over homogenous area such as Amazon rain-forests. Each beam mode was analyzed with at-least 10 data acquisitions to get good average values for the shapes of the antenna patterns. Analysis of ascending and descending pass data was also performed.

(2) Absolute Gain Calibration The Absolute Gain Calibration was performed to obtain absolute gains by eliminating affects on other comprehensive gains. The absolute gains are such values that are obtained through analyzing responses from a transponder seen as a point target placed on the calibration site. Absolute Gain Calibration for a beam mode needed to be done after all data sets for the same beam mode were analyzed for Elevation Antenna Pattern Calibration.

6.4.2.3

Polarimetric Calibration

Polarimetric Calibration was performed on dual polarization and quad polarization data. Polarimetric Calibration performed the estimation of cross-talk and gain imbalance parameters of the transmit and receive distortion matrices. Point Target Responses from PARC devices were analyzed to estimate the correction parameters. Radiometric calibration operations, i.e., elevation antenna pattern calibration and absolute gain calibration were carried out first on all the polarization involved for the particular beam mode.

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Appendix-1 Abbreviations
A Automatic Gain Control Advanced Land Observing Satellite Alaska Satellite Facility Attenuator Advanced Visible and Near Infrared Radiometer type 2 L : Local Area Network : Low Noise Amplifier M : Manual Gain Control N : National Space Development Agency of Japan P : Phased Array type L-band Synthetic Aperture Radar : Polarimetric Active Radar Calibrator : Payload Correction Data : Products Generation Subsystem : Pulse Repetition Frequency : Pulse Repetition Interval : Panchromatic Remote-sensing Instrument Stereo Mapping : Pseudo Random Noise R : Rotating Element Electric Vector : Radio Frequency : Read Only Memory S Synthetic Aperture Radar Squint Image Mode Single-Look Complex Secondary Range Compression Sensitivity Time Control

AGC ALOS ASF ATT AVNIR-2

: : : : :

LAN LNA MGC

BER

B : Bit Error Rate C : Calibration and Validation : Compact Disc : Committee on Earth Observation Satellites : Corner Reflector : Communication and System Management Subsystem D Digital Elevation Model Data Processing Request Data Relay Test Satellite Direct Transmission

NASDA

CAL/VAL CD CEOS CR CSMS

PALSAR PARC PCD PGS PRF PRI PRISM PRN

DEM DPR DRTS DT

: : : :

EDB EOC EORC ERSDAC ERSDIS ESA

E : ERSDAC Data Buffer (PALSAR GDS) : Earth Observation Center : Earth Observation Research and Application Center : Earth Remote Sensing Data Analysis Center : JERS-1 Data and Information System (ERSDAC) : European Space Agency F : Facsimile : High Resolution Mode, polarization : High Resolution Mode, polarization : Fast Fourier Transformation G Geoscience Australia Ground Control Point Ground Data System Global Positioning System GPS Receiver

REV RF ROM

SAR SIM SLC SRC STC

: : : : :

Fax FBD FBS FFT

TBD TBR TKSC

T : To Be Determined : To Be Reviewed : TsuKuba Space Center U : Unified S-Band W : Wide Area Observation Mode (Burst mode 1) : World Wide Web

Dual Single USB

WB1 WWW

GA GCP GDS GPS GPSR

: : : : :

IMS

I : Information Management Subsystem J : Japan Resources Observation System organization : Japan Aerospace Exploration Agency : Japanese Earth Resources Satellite-1

JAROS JAXA JERS-1

A1-1