New modes and techniques of the RADARSAT-2 SAR

The RADARSAT-2 system currently under development is required to generate a much wider range of data products than any other preceding civilian satellite SAR. In addition to the single polarization Standard, Fine Resolution, Wide Swath, ScanSAR and Extended Coverage Beams of RADARSAT-1, the new mission requirements include Quad-Polarization and UltraFine Resolution modes, and selectable single and dual-polarization options for the heritage beams. The radar is also required to operate in experimental modes to provide data for detection of moving objects. To support this mission, a significantly more technologically advanced instrument has been designed, with a number of extra degrees of freedom in its operation. This paper describes some key features in the design of the instrument, and explains how they will be used in generating the new types of data.