David M. LeVine

Aperture synthesis concepts in microwave remote sensing of the Earth

The application of aperture synthesis concepts, used for many years in radioastronomy to achieve high image resolution at a reasonable cost, to remote sensing technology is discussed. The electronically scanned thinned array radiometer (ESTAR) is put forward as a viable alternative to improve spatial resolution by an order of magnitude over what is presently achieved by microwave imaging systems that are collecting data from Earth orbit. Future developments in airborne sensor technology and potential spacecraft application are described. >

Terrestrial sensing with synthetic aperture radiometers

The principle behind remote sensing of the Earth with synthetic-aperture radiometers is described. In order to demonstrate the utility of a thinned array radiometer for Earth observations, an airborne L-band prototype was flown several times on a NASA P-3 aircraft. The L-band brightness map clearly indicates a response to soil moisture in addition to detection of land-water boundaries. Possible future developments in this area are also considered.<<ETX>>