On-board processor for direct distribution of change detection data products [radar imaging]

We are developing an on-board imaging radar data processor for repeat-pass change detection and hazard management. This is the enabling technology for NASA ESE to utilize imaging radars. This processor enables the observation and use of surface deformation data over rapidly evolving natural hazards, both as an aid to scientific understanding and to provide timely data to agencies responsible for the management and mitigation of natural disasters. Many hazards occur over periods of hours to days, and need to be sampled quickly. The new technology has the potential to save many lives and millions of dollars by putting critical information in the hands of disaster management agencies in time to be of use. The processor architecture integrates two key technologies by combining a field programmable gate array (FPGA) front-end with a reconfigurable computing back-end. A searchable on-board data archive stores the reference data sets needed for the change detection processing. In this paper, we present an overview of the change detection processing algorithm and the preliminary hardware architecture.