Infoterra GMBH Initiates Commercial Exploitation of Terrasar-X



4. Satellite Specification
Surrounding the Earth on a polar orbit at an altitude of 514 kilometers, TerraSAR-X will be collecting new-quality X-band radar data of the entire planet. The satellite will operate independent of weather conditions, cloud coverage, and illumination and will be capable of delivering data at a resolution of up to 1 meter.


Fig.1: TerraSAR-X Spacecraft

TerraSAR-X, which is due to be launched during the second quarter of 2006, is currently being developed by EADS Astrium, while the DLR prepares the ground segment.

The Characteristics of satellite, orbit and SAR sensor are listed below:



5. Basic Products
The TerraSAR-X Basic Image Products are described by the following characteristics:
  • Image Mode
    • SpotLight (up to 1 m resolution)
    • StripMap (up to 3 m resolution)
    • ScanSAR (up to 16 m resolution)
  • Polarization: single or dual in HH, VV, HV, VH combinations
  • Geocoding: SSC, MGD, GEC, EEC
  • Advanced Products (300 MHz, quad-polarisation)
Depending on the applications, these image characteristics can be individually combined through a dedicated data order by the Partner and for its customers. The TerraSAR-X Basic Image Products will be delivered in CEOS Level 1B format to the end users.

5.1 High Resolution SpotLight (HS)
In this mode, the most favourable combination of the key features results in the following product specifications:




Fig.2: High Resolution SpotLight Mode with 1 m ground resolution (TerraSAR-X simulated Image, open cast mining, Germany)

5.2 SpotLight (SL)
In this variation of the above mode, the geometric azimuth (in flight direction) resolution is reduced in order to increase the azimuth scene extension.



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