A. Østergaard

Sentinel-1 mission capabilities and SAR system calibration

The paper provides an overview of the GMES Sentinel-1 system characteristics including the SAR imaging modes and their key performance parameters as well as the specifics of related attitude and orbit control modes (i.e. roll steering mode and zero-Doppler steering mode). In addition, the Sentinel-1 SAR interferometry (InSAR) capabilities are discussed. Furthermore, the paper outlines the planned Sentinel-1 commissioning phase activities related to the in-orbit SAR system calibration and end-to-end performance verification.

Sentinel-1 antenna model validation: Pattern prediction vs. PNFS measurements

The C-SAR Antenna Subsystem (SAS) of the European Radar Observatory Sentinel-1 is comprised of an active dual-polarized phased array consisting of 280 waveguide subarrays for each polarization. In this paper, the Sentinel-1 Antenna Model along with the PNFS facility used in this conjunction is presented which allows the computation of the far field pattern shapes assigned to the various SAR operational modes designed specifically for the Sentinel-1 mission (e.g. Stripmap, ScanSAR etc.). These calculations are primarily based on embedded subarray near field measurements (active element pattern) serving as inputs to the Antenna Model. Due to the high flexibility of the Antenna Model, it is also highly attractive for other spaceborne SAR missions to come. Anyway, the excellent agreement found between the Antenna Model prediction and the pattern data acquired with the Planar Near Field Scanner Facility (PNFS) located at EADS Astrium GmbH, Germany is demonstrated next.

MetoP-SG SCA wind scatterometer design and performance

The SCA instrument is a C-band wind scatterometer that forms part of the EUMETSAT Polar System Second Generation (EPS-SG) mission. The paper presents an overview on the SCA design and its mission performance as established during the SCA B2 Development Phase and as presented at the SCA PDR.

Metop-sg sca wind scatterometer: Development status and results

The SCA instrument is a C-band wind scatterometer that forms part of the EUMETSAT Polar System Second Generation (EPS-SG) mission. The paper presents an overview on the current development status of the SCA instrument and of its key equipment.