The Final Observation Tape (FOT)

Telemetry data, grouped by Observing Period (OP, including several orbits) are stored in the mission raw data archive at SDC, together with Auxiliary data (as OBT-UT conversion data, spacecraft attitude and ephemeris). Finally, from the raw data archive the observation data (housekeeping, scientific and auxiliary) are retrieved, reformatted and recorded on the FOT to be delivered to the final user (fig. ). For a detailed description of the FOT content, see [FOT User Manual, 1996].

Figure: The Ground Support Facilities and Data Flow (from [Bruca L. et al., 1998a]).