SCATSAT-1 Performance Assessment and Quality Monitoring using Level-0 data

Quality of the wind vector over sea derived from the Scatterometer data depends on the on board sensor performance, platform stability, ground processor and the used GMF. This primarily requires regular assessment and monitoring of system behaviour in terms of sensor parameters. Orbit and attitude data is also observed to check the stability of the platform. This paper discusses the performance evaluation of SCATSAT-1 sensor, based on the quality metrics generated from the Level-0 data. This quality metric consists of calibration power, PRF, echo window start time, scan rate of antenna and target dependent variable parameters such as noise and echo data. Further, using the same quality metrics, alerts are generated in near real time in case if any deviation is observed with respect to the specifications. Time series of each parameter is observed to monitor the temporal behaviour and trend. Results from data analysis shows consistency in the parameters and found to be within specified limits. Loopback calibration power for HH and VV beam is observed as 50.3 and 50.6 dB respectively which matched with lab measurement done during pre-launch phase. Alternate calibration power also shows consistent behaviour throughout and observed as 51.3dB. Temperature of system at various junction is quite stable within the range of 10o to 16oC showing a temporal pattern. Results from trend analysis confirms the stable behaviour and consistency of the system.