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Validation of the Level 1b Processor with the Sapient * Quikscat Simulator

2. Introduction A means to test the ground data processing software before launch is a crucial procedure in minimizing software fixes in the early stages of the QuikSCAT mission. In this regard, it is necessary to acquire simulated telemetry data and use the data to validate the software, i.e., an L1B processor. For Level 2A (grouping module) and Level 2B (wind retrieval and ambiguity removal module) processing, the software has been tested extensively by simulated L1B data in previous comparison analyses. However, the L1B processor software could not be tested completely in the past because the simulations could only begin with the generation of sigma0 from sea surface winds. The L1B processor requires science data in power measurements to generate sigma0, i.e., Level 1A (L1A) product is needed. In order to produce the L1A and Level 0 test data, the SAPIENT has recently added “reversibility” to SAPIENT’s QuikSCAT simulator [2]. The simulation generates sigma0 from winds, and calculates echo and noise channel powers consistent with the sigma0 via X-factor, calibration data and thermal noise model. Other L1A products are generated in the “reverse” process. This allows for the L1B processing software to be thoroughly tested. At the same time, the simulation runs forward to generate a standard QuikSCAT L1B product. Thus, the simulator generates the necessary L1A input test data for processing and L1B output product for a systematic comparison. For this comparison, the SAPIENT has significantly upgraded the existing QuikSCAT simulator to emulate the actual L1B processor. This includes the modification of calibration-pulse processing and implementation of power detection equation to check for consistency in sigma0 to power DN conversion, usage of Doppler and range tracking, geodetic pointing, BYU X-factor table, and quality/error bit flags. These improvements were necessary in order to refine the test data and provide a true benchmark output for the L1B processor.