TerraSAR-L system

David M. Simpson; Geoff T. A. Burbidge; Alan Thornbury; Barbara Ghinelli

doi:10.1117/12.511115

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12 January 2004 TerraSAR-L system

David M. Simpson, Geoff T. A. Burbidge, Alan Thornbury, Barbara Ghinelli

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Proceedings Volume 5236, SAR Image Analysis, Modeling, and Techniques VI; (2004) https://doi.org/10.1117/12.511115
Event: Remote Sensing, 2003, Barcelona, Spain

Abstract

The Infoterra/TerraSAR initiative started as an industrial concept to provide X- and L-band SAR data products from a pair of spacecraft in Sun-synchronous orbit. The mission was proposed by the BNSC and DLR for implementation as an element of the ESA’s Earth Watch programme. The X-band element evolved into a German national programme between DLR and Astrium GmbH, whereas the TerraSAR-L System has become the subject of a phase B consolidation study led by Astrium Ltd. in the UK and involves companies in several other ESA member states. The TerraSAR-L System comprises a single spacecraft carrying a large, fully polarimetric L-band SAR, and a ground segment architecture that will re-use existing facilities and technologies as much as possible. The service segment, sized to meet the mission’s requirements, complements this. Besides having a commercial role for the provision of geoinformation products, the TerraSAR-L System will serve the scientific user community, particularly with regard to Earth science use, and for contributions to the GMES initiative. Specification of the L-SAR instrument and ground segment performances has been guided by careful analysis of the product requirements so as to meet the user communities’ needs without over-design of the hardware. Extensive trade-off studies have proven that the L-band spacecraft should adopt the innovative 'Snapdragon’ configuration, minimizing technical risk and cost whilst offering comfortable design margins. The TerraSAR Consolidation has commenced and will involve a wide industrial community in the specification and definition for the TerraSAR-L System. Key instrument and Snapdragon risk reduction activities are well advanced under ESA contract, with completion expected in 2004.

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David M. Simpson, Geoff T. A. Burbidge, Alan Thornbury, and Barbara Ghinelli "TerraSAR-L system", Proc. SPIE 5236, SAR Image Analysis, Modeling, and Techniques VI, (12 January 2004); https://doi.org/10.1117/12.511115

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