Understanding Raw Data Product Sizes in Satellite Communication
Satellite communication plays a crucial role in numerous applications, from providing global internet coverage to conducting scientific research and environmental monitoring. One aspect that is often overlooked but is critical to the functioning of these systems is the size of the raw data products generated by these satellites. This blog post explores the raw data sizes produced by different satellite systems, highlighting the impact of communication technologies and satellite capabilities on data volume.
Introduction to Raw Data Products
Raw data products refer to the unprocessed or minimally processed data collected by satellite sensors and transmitted to ground stations. This data is essential for various applications, including weather forecasting, environmental monitoring, disaster management, and global communications. Understanding the size of these data products is crucial for designing efficient data storage, transmission, and processing systems.
Satellite Systems and Their Raw Data Product Sizes
1. TBIRD (NASA)
Communication Type: Laser (Optical)
Throughput: 200 Gbps
Raw Data Size: TBIRD (TeraByte InfraRed Delivery) is a NASA laser communication system that achieves a data rate of 200 Gbps. Given this high throughput, the raw data size can be enormous. For example, if TBIRD operates for a 5-minute pass, it could potentially transmit up to:
200 Gbps×60 seconds/minute×5 minutes=60,000 Gbits≈7,500 GB200 Gbps×60 seconds/minute×5 minutes=60,000 Gbits≈7,500 GB
Example Product Size: Approximately 7.5 TB for a 5-minute transmission.
2. SpaceDataHighway (EDRS)
Communication Type: Laser (Optical)
Throughput: 1.8 Gbps
Raw Data Size: The SpaceDataHighway, also known as the European Data Relay System (EDRS), can transfer up to 40 terabytes of data per day. Assuming continuous operation, the size of raw data per hour could be:
40 TB24 hours≈1.67 TB/hour24 hours40 TB≈1.67 TB/hour
Example Product Size: Approximately 1.67 TB per hour.
3. ViaSat-3
Communication Type: RF (Ka-band)
Throughput: Up to 1 Tbps (total capacity)
Raw Data Size: ViaSat-3 is designed to provide high-capacity internet services. For individual high-definition (HD) video streams or similar applications, the data size is smaller, but aggregated across all users, it can be substantial. For example, an HD video stream at 5 Mbps for one hour generates:
5 Mbps×60 seconds/minute×60 minutes/hour=18,000 Mb≈2.25 GB/hour5 Mbps×60 seconds/minute×60 minutes/hour=18,000 Mb≈2.25 GB/hour
Example Product Size: Individual streams are around 2.25 GB per hour, but total data transmitted can reach hundreds of terabytes per day across all users.
4. Inmarsat I-6 F1
Communication Type: RF (Ka-band and L-band)
Throughput: Up to 1.5 Gbps (Ka-band)
Raw Data Size: Inmarsat I-6 F1 supports various services, including voice, data, and video. For a continuous data stream at 1.5 Gbps for one hour:
1.5 Gbps×60 seconds/minute×60 minutes/hour=5,400 Gb≈675 GB/hour1.5 Gbps×60 seconds/minute×60 minutes/hour=5,400 Gb≈675 GB/hour
Example Product Size: Approximately 675 GB per hour for maximum throughput.
5. Sentinel-1
Communication Type: RF (C-band)
Throughput: 600 Mbps
Raw Data Size: Sentinel-1 generates synthetic aperture radar (SAR) data, which can be quite large. For a typical SAR image:
- Single Look Complex (SLC) product: 1 GB to 2 GB per scene.
- Ground Range Detected (GRD) product: Typically smaller than SLC.
Per Orbit Pass: Each pass can generate multiple scenes, with a total raw data size ranging from a few GB to several tens of GB.
6. Landsat 8
Communication Type: RF (X-band)
Throughput: 384 Mbps
Raw Data Size: Landsat 8 collects multi-spectral and thermal data. Each Landsat 8 scene (covering 185 km x 180 km) typically generates:
- Scene Size: Around 1 GB per scene for the Operational Land Imager (OLI) and Thermal Infrared Sensor (TIRS) combined.
Example Product Size: Approximately 1 GB per scene.
Summary Table of Raw Data Sizes
Here is a summary table that encapsulates the raw data sizes generated by the discussed satellite systems:
| Satellite/System | Communication Type | Throughput | Example Raw Data Size (per hour) | Reference |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| TBIRD (NASA) | Laser (Optical) | 200 Gbps | ~7.5 TB for 5 minutes | NASA TBIRD |
| SpaceDataHighway (EDRS) | Laser (Optical) | 1.8 Gbps | ~1.67 TB/hour | Apogeo Spatial |
| ViaSat-3 | RF (Ka-band) | 1 Tbps (total) | Depends on individual usage, e.g., 2.25 GB/hour for HD video stream | Wikipedia on High-Throughput Satellites |
| Inmarsat I-6 F1 | RF (Ka-band) | 1.5 Gbps | ~675 GB/hour | Inmarsat |
| Sentinel-1 | RF (C-band) | 600 Mbps | 1-2 GB per SAR scene | ESA on Sentinel-1 |
| Landsat 8 | RF (X-band) | 384 Mbps | ~1 GB per scene | USGS on Landsat 8 |
Detailed Analysis of Raw Data Product Sizes
TBIRD (NASA)
TBIRD, or the TeraByte InfraRed Delivery system, is NASA's cutting-edge laser communication project aimed at demonstrating high-speed data transfer capabilities. With a throughput of 200 Gbps, TBIRD stands out as one of the most advanced communication systems to date. The system is designed to handle large volumes of data, crucial for scientific missions and Earth observation applications.
Raw Data Size Analysis:
- Operation Duration: If TBIRD operates for a 5-minute pass, the potential data transmitted is staggering.
- Calculation:200 Gbps×60 seconds/minute×5 minutes=60,000 Gbits≈7,500 GB200 Gbps×60 seconds/minute×5 minutes=60,000 Gbits≈7,500 GB
- Impact: This demonstrates TBIRD's ability to transmit around 7.5 TB of data in just 5 minutes, showcasing its capability to handle massive datasets quickly.
SpaceDataHighway (EDRS)
The SpaceDataHighway, also known as the European Data Relay System (EDRS), utilizes laser communication to facilitate high-speed data transfer from low Earth orbit (LEO) satellites to ground stations. This system is integral for real-time data relay, particularly for Earth observation satellites that require rapid data processing and dissemination.
Raw Data Size Analysis:
- Daily Transfer Capacity: SpaceDataHighway can transfer up to 40 TB of data per day.
- Hourly Transfer Rate: Assuming continuous operation:40 TB24 hours≈1.67 TB/hour24 hours40 TB≈1.67 TB/hour
- Impact: This capacity ensures that significant volumes of data can be transmitted efficiently, facilitating real-time monitoring and decision-making processes.
ViaSat-3
ViaSat-3 represents the next generation of high-throughput satellites designed to provide global broadband coverage. With a theoretical maximum throughput of up to 1 Tbps across its total high-speed internet services worldwide. This capability is particularly crucial for remote and underserved regions, where terrestrial internet infrastructure may be lacking.
Raw Data Size Analysis:
- Individual Usage: For applications like HD video streaming, the data size is smaller but can accumulate significantly across multiple users.
- Calculation for HD Video Stream:5 Mbps×60 seconds/minute×60 minutes/hour=18,000 Mb≈2.25 GB/hour5 Mbps×60 seconds/minute×60 minutes/hour=18,000 Mb≈2.25 GB/hour
- Aggregated Usage: While individual streams are around 2.25 GB per hour, the total data transmitted across all users can reach hundreds of terabytes per day.
- Impact: This highlights ViaSat-3’s capacity to support extensive high-speed internet usage, making it a vital component of global connectivity efforts.
Inmarsat I-6 F1
Inmarsat I-6 F1 is part of Inmarsat’s hybrid satellite network, combining L-band and Ka-band capabilities to provide a broad range of services, from voice communication to high-speed data transfer. The dual-band configuration enhances the satellite's flexibility and capacity.
Raw Data Size Analysis:
- Maximum Throughput Operation: For continuous data transmission at 1.5 Gbps for one hour.
- Calculation:1.5 Gbps×60 seconds/minute×60 minutes/hour=5,400 Gb≈675 GB/hour1.5 Gbps×60 seconds/minute×60 minutes/hour=5,400 Gb≈675 GB/hour
- Impact: This illustrates the satellite’s ability to handle significant data volumes efficiently, supporting diverse applications ranging from maritime and aviation communications to emergency response services.
Sentinel-1
Sentinel-1 is a key component of the Copernicus program, providing all-weather, day-and-night radar imaging for land and ocean services. Its synthetic aperture radar (SAR) capabilities allow it to monitor various environmental phenomena with high precision.
Raw Data Size Analysis:
- SAR Data: Sentinel-1 generates data products like Single Look Complex (SLC) and Ground Range Detected (GRD) images.
- SLC Product Size: Typically 1 GB to 2 GB per scene.
- GRD Product Size: Generally smaller than SLC products.
- Per Orbit Pass: Multiple scenes can be generated per pass, with total data size ranging from a few GB to several tens of GB.
- Impact: The substantial data volumes underscore the importance of efficient data handling and processing systems to support the satellite’s extensive monitoring capabilities.
Landsat 8
Landsat 8, part of the long-running Landsat program, provides critical Earth observation data through its Operational Land Imager (OLI) and Thermal Infrared Sensor (TIRS). These sensors capture multi-spectral and thermal imagery used in various environmental and scientific applications.
Raw Data Size Analysis:
- Scene Coverage: Each Landsat 8 scene covers an area of 185 km x 180 km.
- Scene Size: Around 1 GB per scene for combined OLI and TIRS data.
- Daily Data Collection: Collecting multiple scenes per day can result in total raw data sizes in the range of tens of GB.
- Impact: Landsat 8’s consistent and comprehensive data collection is vital for ongoing environmental monitoring and research efforts.
Summary Table of Raw Data Sizes
Here is a summary table that encapsulates the raw data sizes generated by the discussed satellite systems:
| Satellite/System | Communication Type | Throughput | Example Raw Data Size (per hour) | Reference |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| TBIRD (NASA) | Laser (Optical) | 200 Gbps | ~7.5 TB for 5 minutes | NASA TBIRD |
| SpaceDataHighway (EDRS) | Laser (Optical) | 1.8 Gbps | ~1.67 TB/hour | Apogeo Spatial |
| ViaSat-3 | RF (Ka-band) | 1 Tbps (total) | Depends on individual usage, e.g., 2.25 GB/hour for HD video stream | Wikipedia on High-Throughput Satellites |
| Inmarsat I-6 F1 | RF (Ka-band) | 1.5 Gbps | ~675 GB/hour | Inmarsat |
| Sentinel-1 | RF (C-band) | 600 Mbps | 1-2 GB per SAR scene | ESA on Sentinel-1 |
| Landsat 8 | RF (X-band) | 384 Mbps | ~1 GB per scene | USGS on Landsat 8 |
Detailed Analysis of Raw Data Product Sizes
TBIRD (NASA)
TBIRD, or the TeraByte InfraRed Delivery system, is NASA's cutting-edge laser communication project aimed at demonstrating high-speed data transfer capabilities. With a throughput of 200 Gbps, TBIRD stands out as one of the most advanced communication systems to date. The system is designed to handle large volumes of data, crucial for scientific missions and Earth observation applications.
Raw Data Size Analysis:
- Operation Duration: If TBIRD operates for a 5-minute pass, the potential data transmitted is staggering.
- Calculation:200 Gbps×60 seconds/minute×5 minutes=60,000 Gbits≈7,500 GB200 Gbps×60 seconds/minute×5 minutes=60,000 Gbits≈7,500 GB
- Impact: This demonstrates TBIRD's ability to transmit around 7.5 TB of data in just 5 minutes, showcasing its capability to handle massive datasets quickly.
SpaceDataHighway (EDRS)
The SpaceDataHighway, also known as the European Data Relay System (EDRS), utilizes laser communication to facilitate high-speed data transfer from low Earth orbit (LEO) satellites to ground stations. This system is integral for real-time data relay, particularly for Earth observation satellites that require rapid data processing and dissemination.
Raw Data Size Analysis:
- Daily Transfer Capacity: SpaceDataHighway can transfer up to 40 TB of data per day.
- Hourly Transfer Rate: Assuming continuous operation:40 TB24 hours≈1.67 TB/hour24 hours40 TB≈1.67 TB/hour
- Impact: This capacity ensures that significant volumes of data can be transmitted efficiently, facilitating real-time monitoring and decision-making processes.
ViaSat-3
ViaSat-3 represents the next generation of high-throughput satellites designed to provide global broadband coverage. With a theoretical maximum throughput of up to 1 Tbps across its total capacity, ViaSat-3 aims to meet the growing demand for high-speed internet services worldwide. This capability is particularly crucial for remote and underserved regions, where terrestrial internet infrastructure may be lacking.
Raw Data Size Analysis:
- Individual Usage: For applications like HD video streaming, the data size is smaller but can accumulate significantly across multiple users.
- Calculation for HD Video Stream:5 Mbps×60 seconds/minute×60 minutes/hour=18,000 Mb≈2.25 GB/hour5 Mbps×60 seconds/minute×60 minutes/hour=18,000 Mb≈2.25 GB/hour
- Aggregated Usage: While individual streams are around 2.25 GB per hour, the total data transmitted across all users can reach hundreds of terabytes per day.
- Impact: This highlights ViaSat-3’s capacity to support extensive high-speed internet usage, making it a vital component of global connectivity efforts.
Inmarsat I-6 F1
Inmarsat I-6 F1 is part of Inmarsat’s hybrid satellite network, combining L-band and Ka-band capabilities to provide a broad range of services, from voice communication to high-speed data transfer. The dual-band configuration enhances the satellite's flexibility and capacity.
Raw Data Size Analysis:
- Maximum Throughput Operation: For continuous data transmission at 1.5 Gbps for one hour.
- Calculation:1.5 Gbps×60 seconds/minute×60 minutes/hour=5,400 Gb≈675 GB/hour1.5 Gbps×60 seconds/minute×60 minutes/hour=5,400 Gb≈675 GB/hour
- Impact: This illustrates the satellite’s ability to handle significant data volumes efficiently, supporting diverse applications ranging from maritime and aviation communications to emergency response services.
Sentinel-1
Sentinel-1 is a key component of the Copernicus program, providing all-weather, day-and-night radar imaging for land and ocean services. Its synthetic aperture radar (SAR) capabilities allow it to monitor various environmental phenomena with high precision.
Raw Data Size Analysis:
- SAR Data: Sentinel-1 generates data products like Single Look Complex (SLC) and Ground Range Detected (GRD) images.
- SLC Product Size: Typically 1 GB to 2 GB per scene.
- GRD Product Size: Generally smaller than SLC products.
- Per Orbit Pass: Multiple scenes can be generated per pass, with total data size ranging from a few GB to several tens of GB.
- Impact: The substantial data volumes underscore the importance of efficient data handling and processing systems to support the satellite’s extensive monitoring capabilities.
Landsat 8
Landsat 8, part of the long-running Landsat program, provides critical Earth observation data through its Operational Land Imager (OLI) and Thermal Infrared Sensor (TIRS). These sensors capture multi-spectral and thermal imagery used in various environmental and scientific applications.
Raw Data Size Analysis:
- Scene Coverage: Each Landsat 8 scene covers an area of 185 km x 180 km.
- Scene Size: Around 1 GB per scene for combined OLI and TIRS data.
- Daily Data Collection: Collecting multiple scenes per day can result in total raw data sizes in the range of tens of GB.
- Impact: Landsat 8’s consistent and comprehensive data collection is vital for ongoing environmental monitoring and research efforts.
Summary Table of Raw Data Sizes
Here is a summary table that encapsulates the raw data sizes generated by the discussed satellite systems:
| Satellite/System | Communication Type | Throughput | Example Raw Data Size (per hour) | Reference |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| TBIRD (NASA) | Laser (Optical) | 200 Gbps | ~7.5 TB for 5 minutes | NASA TBIRD |
| SpaceDataHighway (EDRS) | Laser (Optical) | 1.8 Gbps | ~1.67 TB/hour | Apogeo Spatial |
| ViaSat-3 | RF (Ka-band) | 1 Tbps (total) | Depends on individual usage, e.g., 2.25 GB/hour for HD video stream | Wikipedia on High-Throughput Satellites |
| Inmarsat I-6 F1 | RF (Ka-band) | 1.5 Gbps | ~675 GB/hour | Inmarsat |
| Sentinel-1 | RF (C-band) | 600 Mbps | 1-2 GB per SAR scene | ESA on Sentinel-1 |
| Landsat 8 | RF (X-band) | 384 Mbps | ~1 GB per scene | USGS on Landsat 8 |
Conclusion
Understanding the size of raw data products generated by satellites is crucial for designing and implementing efficient data management systems. Satellites like TBIRD and the SpaceDataHighway demonstrate the capabilities of laser communication systems to handle vast amounts of data, which is essential for real-time monitoring and high-resolution Earth observation. Meanwhile, RF communication systems, as utilized by satellites like ViaSat-3, Inmarsat I-6 F1, Sentinel-1, and Landsat 8, continue to provide reliable and substantial data transfer capabilities essential for various applications.
The detailed analysis and examples provided in this blog post illustrate the significant differences in data sizes generated by different satellite systems, reflecting the advancements in communication technologies and their application in modern satellite missions. As technology continues to evolve, the ability to efficiently manage and process these large volumes of data will be critical to the success of future satellite operations.
Sources
- NASA TBIRD: NASA Technical Reports Server
- Apogeo Spatial on SpaceDataHighway: Apogeo Spatial
- Wikipedia on High-Throughput Satellites: Wikipedia
- Inmarsat: Inmarsat
- ESA on Sentinel-1: ESA
- USGS on Landsat 8: USGS