Jose Marquez-Martinez

In-orbit SAR performance of TerraSAR-X

TerraSAR-X is the first German Radar satellite for scientific and commercial applications. The project is a public- private partnership between DLR and EADS Astrium GmbH. TerraSAR-X consists of a high resolution Synthetic Aperture Radar at X-Band. The radar antenna is based on active phased array technology that allows the control of many different instrument parameters and operational modes (Stripmap, ScanSAR and Spotlight) with various polarizations. Following the TerraSAR-X launch, it is planned a six month Commissioning Phase covering the characterization and verification of the SAR mission. Within this phase, the Overall SAR System Performance takes care of the correct working and interaction of all SAR system elements essential for obtaining an optimum SAR Performance.

Radiometric resolution optimization for future SAR systems

This paper presents a radiometric resolution optimization strategy which can be used in new generation of Synthetic Aperture Radar (SAR) systems. An expression, which allows optimization depending on application, has been developed for this purpose. In particular, special effort has been made for improving the radiometric resolution keeping the geometric resolution constant. Optimization examples have been carried out with realistic parameters taken from TerraSAR-X. The objective is to provide an effective and realistic way to tradeoff the instrument parameters for optimal exploitation of SAR images. Furthermore, a precise SNR formulation has been derived including processing gain and noise distribution

Next generation low cost SAR payloads: Novasar-S and beyond

NovaSAR-S delivers a significant breakthrough in lowering the cost of spaceborne SAR. GaN amplifier technology is exploited in a novel ‘low phase centre count’ architecture with a different programmatic approach, resulting in a SAR payload compatible with a satellite cost, including launch, of £50M. In addition, the latest generation of Gallium Nitride high power amplifiers has come on-line, with up to 250W now available at X-Band. This paper describes the architecture of the NovaSAR-S payload and the next generation X-Band GaN based SAR products, highlights use of key technologies, and outlines the aspects of the technical and programmatic approach that have enabled such low cost to be achieved. The payload performance will also be presented, along with the current status of the programmes.

A First Study on the use of TerraSAR-X for Meteorological Purposes

In this paper we present the predicted performance of the TerraSAR-X for meteorological purposes. Principally, the study focuses on the possibility of measuring rain over ocean and forest. Regarding the acquisition geometry, we investigate the rain volume and voxel resolution, the signal-to-noise ratio and the signal-to-clutter ratio. The clutter interference has been evaluated for intra- and inter-pulse ground returns. Measurement of rain for nadir-looking geometry looks promising over forest and ocean under almost all conditions. However, for side-looking geometry, rain detection could be only possible at very high rain rates.In this paper we present the predicted performance of the TerraSAR-X for meteorological purposes. Principally, the study focuses on the possibility of measuring rain over ocean and forest. Regarding the acquisition geometry, we investigate the rain volume and voxel resolution, the signal-to-noise ratio and the signal-to-clutter ratio. The clutter interference has been evaluated for intra- and inter-pulse ground returns.Measurement of rain for nadir-looking geometry looks promising over forest and ocean under almost all conditions. However, for side-looking geometry, rain detection could be only possible at very high rain rates.