Enabling High Performance Reconfigurable Ground Data Processing Systems

The deployment of high data rate instruments onboard satellites with direct broadcast capability demands the implementation of powerful ground data processing systems. Conversely, to enable the widespread usage of direct broadcast data and the generation of subsequent data products, low cost data processing systems must be available. Reconfigurable computers based on Field Programmable Gate Arrays (FPGA) enable the implementation of ground data processing systems that lead to higher performance and lower cost while keeping a high degree of programmability and maintainability. This paper presents the conceptualization of the MODIS Adaptive Level One Accelerator (ALOA), a prototype under construction at NASA's Goddard Space Flight Center. The ALOA is a computer workstation augmented by a reconfigurable computer. The system will calibrate and geographically locate data from the EOS-AM1 MODerate resolution Imaging Spectroradiometer (MODIS) instrument at near real-time data rates.