TerraSAR-L system

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

doi:10.1117/12.511115

12 January 2004 TerraSAR-L system

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

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.

Citation Download Citation

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

ACCESS THE FULL ARTICLE

INSTITUTIONAL
Select your institution to access the SPIE Digital Library.

SELECT YOUR INSTITUTION

PERSONAL
Sign in with your SPIE account to access your personal subscriptions or to use specific features such as save to my library, sign up for alerts, save searches, etc.

PERSONAL SIGN IN

No SPIE Account? Create one

PURCHASE THIS CONTENT

SUBSCRIBE TO DIGITAL LIBRARY

50 downloads per 1-year subscription

Members: $195

Non-members: $335 ADD TO CART

25 downloads per 1 - year subscription

Members: $145

Non-members: $250 ADD TO CART

PURCHASE SINGLE ARTICLE

Includes PDF, HTML & Video, when available