The in-progress first step in establishing the RAC is installing
interconnected computers and massive storage systems, which will provide
sufficient space and power for the repository and processing of the
foreseeable huge amount of downloaded satellite data. Also, a low-volume
satellite dish has been installed at the FIU campus to receive data.
NASA Goddard's Applied Information Sciences Branch will provide the RAC
with NASA developed software for validation purposes. They will also assist
in training for the collection, processing, and storage of the satellite
image data. It is planned that a second satellite with high-volume downlink
rate will be added once the initial systems are functioning properly.
There is a vast amount of historical data and an ever-increasing stream
of potentially useful and valuable data due to planned satellite launches.
To be rendered useful, this data needs to be pre-processed, catalogued, stored,
and made available for searching and direct access. In addition, further
specialized processing is required depending on the ultimate use of the data,
for example for hurricane monitoring or agricultural and other resource
management. It is planned that the advanced database technology being
developed at FIU under NASA support will be used in the RAC,
strengthening both projects.
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