Updated: 04 Aug 2005

TERSS Operation

The operational functions are:

• Scheduling of Satellite Passes
  Liason between TERSS users and relevant international satellite operators, such as the European Space Agency (ESA), for the scheduling of satellite passes at TERSS.
• Pass Programming and Acquisition of Satellite Data
  Program accepted scheduling requests for data reception at TERSS and monitor the acquisition process.
• Management of Local Operational Tasks
  Oversee the stocking of digital linear tapes (DLT's) prior to acquisition and dispatch labelled DLT's to Canberra for processing. (These tasks are carried out by the CSIRO, Division of Oceanography, Marine Laboratories staff at their Hobart facility).
• Routine Preventative Maintenance
  Carry out the regular routine maintenance on the TERSS antenna and other components of the acquisition system as required and adhere to performance parameters set by the Board.
• Major Troubleshooting and Repairs
  Carry out investigations into the causes of significant problems detected in the TERSS acquisition system.
• Catalogue
  Catalogue all TERSS acquisitions promptly after the acquisition process. Cataloguing parameters include meta-data elements such as satellite, sensor, date of acquisition, geographical area, cloud coverage and data quality. In addition, generate browse images for inclusion in the catalogue. Make available the catalogue to users within the time limit set by the Board.
• Archive
  Archive data from all TERSS acquisitions on stable media under safe archive conditions in accordance with relevant criteria established by the international satellite operators.
• Product Generation
  Generate copies of raw data for TERSS members and international satellite operators plus processed products for both TERSS members and general users. Products must conform to format specifications and quality standards authorised by the international satellite operators and the TERSS Board.
• System Enhancements
  Recommend to the TERSS Board enhancements that could be undertaken to improve the efficiency of TERSS. Supervise the installation of software and hardware upgrades. Co-operate with other parties authorised by the Board for feasibility studies and implementation of major new enhancements.
• Administration
  Prepare and maintain key TERSS working documents. Prepare reports for the Board including statistics on key performance parameters. Purchase necessary consumable items and spares for the running of TERSS.

• TERSS Archive
• Satellites