Tandem-L: mission performance and optimization for repeat-pass interferometry

Abstract

The Tandem-L mission proposal has a high potential for deformation-monitoring applications. With a short revisit time at L-band, high coherence is expected over a variety of artificial and natural structures. Its wide swath will enable geological applications that are concerned with small motions over large distances. We present performance studies showing trades in the mission design, like revisit time and look number. We use performance models from the literature, integrated with temporal coherence and atmosphere characterizations from studies with available sensors. We discuss the impact of adding some left-looking acquisitions to the normal right-looking acquisition plan.