Perfonnance of the SIR-B Digital Image Processing Subsystem

A ground-based system to generate digital SAR image products has been developed and implemented in support of the SIR-B mission. This system is designed to achieve the maximum throughput while meeting strict image fidelity criteria. Its capabilities include: automated radiometric and geometric correction of the output imagery; high-precision absolute location without tiepoint registration; filtering of the raw data to remove spurious signals from alien radars; and automated cataloging to maintain a full set of radar and image parameters in a database. This system which is the primary image production facility in support of the SIR-B science investigators routinely produces over 80 image frames per week.