De-encapsulation and Decompression Algorithms for Level 0 Files of the ENVISAT Satellite in Image Mode

Abstract

This document describes in detail the structure of the level 0 data of the ENVISAT satellite and, in addition, presents the de-encapsulation and decompression algorithms of the raw ASAR data, specifically the IM operation mode files. These algorithms were developed in the Python programming language in order to facilitate and optimize the task of retrieving the source data. As a result, a raw-data-based image of a region in the Falc´on state of Venezuela was obtained after applying the aforementioned algorithms to the level 0 files downloaded by the ESA Simple Online Catalogue’s.