Results from geometric and radiometric calibration of TerraSAR-X

TerraSAR-X is a scientific and commercial SAR mission to be launched in June 2007. As it provides high-resolution products for a multitude of operation modes and incidence angles, the radiometric and geometric calibration of TerraSAR-X has to ensure the product quality and the correct in-orbit operation of the entire SAR system. This paper describes the calibration activities for TerraSAR-X and the dedicated tasks to be performed during the five months commissioning phase. Results from on-ground tests are discussed with respect to geometric and radiometric calibration of the TerraSAR-X system.