Figure C-l presents a diagram of the proposed data flow. It mimics the 

 present NOAA spacecraft data distribution system; consequently, it can be 

 implemented with presently available technology and services. 



Specific Assumptions: 



a. Tape recorder capacity for limited high-resolution and low-reso- 

 lution non-real-time imaging (12 minutes high resolution plus 2 

 full orbits low-resolution coverage capacity). 



b. Ocean color data is separated from the satellite data stream at a 

 central facility and routed with less than a three-orbit delay 

 via DOMSAT link for general distribution and to an Ocean Color 

 Processing Facility (OCPF), if possible. 



c. OCPF processes data at rates commensurate with data flow and 

 routes results via DOMSAT link (if required) to a USER INTERFACE 

 Facility (UIF). 



d. User Interface Facility has the capacity to maintain 4-day 

 coverage online (1/2 real-time, 1/2 archive in origin). 



e. UIF is the sole scientific user interface for Ocean Color Data. 



The central, ocean color, archive, and user interface facilities need not 

 be separate; for cost reasons, one may wish to combine parts of them. They 

 have been separated to illustrate the spectrum of functions required for 

 scientific utilization of ocean color data. The dashed line connecting the 

 user interface and the satellite command data acquisition site is the 

 reverse conduit for user requests concerning satellite coveraqe changes. 

 In fact, this may have to be routed through a satellite/sensor control 

 facility before going to the CDA. A summarization of these four activity 

 functions follows. 



a. Central Data Decommutation Facility . This facility exists for 

 the satellite bus chosen, e.g., NESS-Suitland for ATN, FNOC- 

 Monterrey for DMSP. Additional equipment is required to separate 

 ocean color data from the parent spacecraft data stream and route 



C-2 



