TanDEM-X: mission concept and performance analysis

This paper analyses the potential of TanDEM-X to acquire highly accurate digital elevation models (DEMs) on a global scale. For this, an appropriate mission concept will be introduced. This concept is based on an add-on satellite almost identical to the TerraSAR-X satellite, orbiting in close formation with it. Radar images of these two satellites allow for the generation of a world-wide DEM according to the emerging HRTI-3 standard within less than three years. The achievable height accuracy will be derived from a detailed performance analysis taking into account major system and scene parameters. Critical issues will be identified on both the system and mission level. Furthermore, additional applications as demanded by user requirements will include regional DEMs according to HRTI-4 standard or new techniques such as digital beamforming, bi-static observations or polarimetric interferometric SAR. A mission scenario is presented, which fulfils these requirements within the three year mission time.

[1]  Oliver Montenbruck,et al.  Precise GRACE baseline determination using GPS , 2005 .

[2]  Gerhard Krieger,et al.  TanDEM-X: a TerraSAR-X add-on satellite for single-pass SAR interferometry , 2004, IGARSS 2004. 2004 IEEE International Geoscience and Remote Sensing Symposium.

[3]  G. Krieger,et al.  Analysis of multistatic configurations for spaceborne SAR interferometry , 2003 .

[4]  Gerhard Krieger,et al.  A Tandem TerraSAR-X Configuration for Single-Pass SAR Interferometry , 2004 .

[5]  Rolf Werninghaus,et al.  TerraSAR-X mission , 2004, SPIE Remote Sensing.

[6]  Gerhard Krieger,et al.  Interferometric digital elevation model reconstruction - experiences from SRTM and multi channel approaches for future missions , 2005, Proceedings. 2005 IEEE International Geoscience and Remote Sensing Symposium, 2005. IGARSS '05..

[7]  O. Montenbruck,et al.  Formation Flying Concept for Close Remote Sensing Satellites , 2005 .

[8]  G. Krieger,et al.  Spaceborne bi- and multistatic SAR: potential and challenges , 2006 .

[9]  Gerhard Krieger,et al.  Spaceborne Polarimetric SAR Interferometry: Performance Analysis and Mission Concepts , 2005, EURASIP J. Adv. Signal Process..

[10]  S. Buckreuss.  The TerraSAR-X Mission , 2003 .

[11]  Irena Hajnsek,et al.  TanDEM-X: Science and Custom Exploration , 2005 .

[12]  Michael Eineder,et al.  A maximum-likelihood estimator to simultaneously unwrap, geocode, and fuse SAR interferograms from different viewing geometries into one digital elevation model , 2005, IEEE Transactions on Geoscience and Remote Sensing.

[13]  Ramon F. Hanssen,et al.  Functional model for radar interferometry , 2001 .

[14]  Gerhard Krieger,et al.  Satellite configuration for interferometric and / or tomographic mapping the earth's surface by means of synthetic aperture radar (SAR) , 2001 .

[15]  G. Krieger,et al.  Close Formation Flight of Passive Receiving Micro-Satellites , 2004 .