TanDEM-X the Earth surface observation project from space level - basis and mission status

• Main Author: Jerzy Wiśniowski
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• Published: Wojskowa Akademia Techniczna, Redakcja Wydawnictw WAT, ul. gen. S. Kaliskiego 2, 00-908 Warszawa 2015-03-01
• Series: Biuletyn Wojskowej Akademii Technicznej
• Subjects: remote sensing; Bistatic SAR; digital elevation model (DEM); Helix formation; SAR interferometry; HRTI-3
• Online Access: http://biuletynwat.pl/icid/1145415

TanDEM-X is DLR (Deutsches Zentrum für Luft- und Raumfahrt) the Earth surface observation project using high-resolution SAR interferometry. It opens a new era in space borne radar remote sensing. The system is based on two satellites: TerraSAR-X (TSX) and TanDEM-X (TDX) flying on the very close, strictly controlled orbits. This paper gives an overview of the radar technology and overview of the TanDEM-X mission concept which is based on several innovative technologies. The primary objective of the mission is to deliver a global digital elevation model (DEM) with an unprecedented accuracy, which is equal to or surpass the HRTI-3 specifications (12 m posting, relative height accuracy ±2 m for slope < 20% and ±4 m for slope > 20% [8]). Beyond that, TanDEM-X provides a highly reconfigurable platform for the demonstration of new radar imaging techniques and applications.[b]Keywords[/b]: remote sensing, Bistatic SAR, digital elevation model (DEM), Helix formation, SAR interferomery, HRTI-3, synchronization