The European Space Agency (ESA) is developing a SuperSites Exploitation Platform (SSEP) on Interoute Virtual Data Centre in an effort to encourage better use of satellite data to monitor and aid the understanding of the processes causing geohazards. Developed in collaboration with Interoute, the ESA SuperSites Exploitation Platform allows on-demand processing of satellite data through Interoute Virtual Data Centre.
Providing initial access to 13TB of data, encompassing 50,000 radar scenes from ESA, users of SSEP can choose from a number of algorithms to process the data. The platform also includes a cloud toolbox, which offers virtual desktop resources configured with appropriate software and licenses to analyse and process the data.
Jordi Farres, EOP Service Support and Ground Segment Technology Office at ESA, commented: ‘This platform will provide authorised users with simple access tools to view and retrieve data from multiple archives, to place their tasking requests, to fetch data, and to report results back to data providers; which will make a larger pool of data available to scientific data users.
‘The SSEP model complements the legacy model where data was shipped out and processed at a user's premises. Collaboration with Interoute and other industrial partners has made this significant step forward possible.’
ESA used ICT technology to transform the way its satellite data is used, processed and distributed, creating a platform that encourages collaboration using e-Infrastructures such as cloud technology. E-Infrastructures provide the ICT-based infrastructures and services needed for easy and controlled online access to facilities, resources and collaboration tools.