System for satellite Earth stations of natural resources

• Grant number: 02/02310-2
• Support Opportunities: Research Grants - Innovative Research in Small Business - PIPE
• Start date: February 01, 2003
• End date: August 31, 2003
• Field of knowledge: Physical Sciences and Mathematics - Computer Science - Computer Systems
• Principal Investigator: Leila Maria Garcia Fonseca
• Grantee: Leila Maria Garcia Fonseca
• Company: Gisplan Tecnologia da Geoinformação Ltda (GISPLAN)

Abstract

This project’s main aim is to develop an architecture for earth stations to process data transmitted by satellite on natural resources. The new series of CBERS satellites, 3 and 4, will carry substantial technological innovations compared with numbers 1 and 2. Instead of continuing to make sizable investments, as occurred with the first two satellites, to obtain solutions always dependent on the supplier, the National Institute for Space Research, Inpe, intends to invest in the modular system developed on the PC+ Linux platform. The basic principle is to use as much open software from the operating system to the compiler, covering control tools for version, management of modifications and bugs, including the data base. In this first phase of the project simulations will be carried out to ascertain the possibility of using microcomputers in the earth stations. They will have to support a load of up to 150 megabytes per second and carry out the process of formatting data, inventory and data transfer by magnetic medium in less time than two consecutive sweeps of the satellite (around 100 minutes). The earth station system will be modular in both senses: functionalities and system sensors. As opposed to the present case, the new system will permit the addition of new satellites or instruments, in line with the plug-in philosophy. (AU)