Corner reflectors for the Australian Geophysical Observing System and support for calibration of satellite-borne synthetic aperture radars

Geoscience Australia is implementing the geospatial component of the Australian Geophysical Observing System (AGOS). AGOS infrastructure will include a network of radar corner reflectors, in addition to a geodetic ground mark network for monitoring ground deformation in Australia. In this paper we describe the design of radar corner reflectors for deformation studies and calibration of Synthetic Aperture Radar (SAR) sensors. Through a prototyping campaign in 2013 we will seek a single reflector design that can be used for deformation and calibration studies using X- and C-band SAR sensors. Prototyping will involve precise determination of reflector radar cross section at an outdoor radar test range and a temporary field deployment in the Canberra region during which X- and C-band data acquisitions will be made from orbiting SAR satellites. We also outline plans to deploy corner reflectors in the Surat Basin of Queensland to monitor ground deformation induced by coal seam gas (CSG) extraction.