Implementing and verifying the algorithm used for generating Swarm L2 Fast-track data products

The Swarm mission of the European Space Agency (ESA) consists of three identical satellites named Alpha (A), Bravo (B), and Charlie (C), launched in a near-polar orbit on 22 November 2013. It is the first constellation mission for Earth Observation at Low Earth Orbit (LEO), which achieved the initial constellation on 17 April 2014, with Swarm A and C flying side-by-side at an altitude of about 470 km and Swarm B at an altitude of around 520 km. All of the satellites in the Swarm mission are equipped with six high-precision instruments which are identical and provide high-level data products for the past decade. These instruments include an absolute scalar and vector field magnetometer, a star tracker, an electric field instrument (Langmuir probe and thermal ion imager), a GPS receiver, and an accelerometer.

The Swarm L1b fast-track (FAST) operational chain data are distributed more rapidly and frequently in comparison with the standard product provision (OPER), which is typically available after three days. The concept of FAST data products refers to the reduced time interval between the occurrence of an event and its detection or measurement. This significantly increases the applicability of Swarm data in the field of space weather monitoring and forecasting. We performed a quality check of FAST data against OPER data for L1b products that are required as an input for the GFZ L2 data product processing chain. Here, several GFZ Swarm L2 FAST data products are shown that have been tested and implemented for operational maintenance. The quality check and operational readiness have been analysed for geomagnetically quiet and disturbed periods. Overall, these products are suitable for the FAST operational chain.