Operational testing of the RADARSAT Canadian Data Processing Facility

The RADARSAT program includes the Canadian Data Processing Facility (CDPF) as its flagship centre for data production. This installation is designed to produce RADARSAT data to the maximum theoretical resolution possible as dictated by the satellite design and with stringent throughput and turnaround requirements. During the satellite commissioning, the CDPF exercised its various features and demonstrated some of the capabilities of the system. These included (1) producing full resolution data products, (2) providing fast turnaround data to operational users in less than 4 hours and (3) generation of ScanSAR products exceeding 500 km of swath width. This paper describes testing of the fully integrated processing and order management system using data acquired by the satellite during the system commissioning. Results of throughput testing and preliminary image quality are provided.