New Frontiers in Earth Science and Imaging Radar Technologies

Abstract

The development of the multi-freqwuency, polarimetric SIR-C/X-SAR insturmetns on two Space Shuttle missions in April and October 1994 represents a milestone in the history of imaging radars. The advancement of knowledge in the field of microwave remote sensing accomplished as well as the verification of earlier findings since the two successful Sir-C/X-sAR missions is tremendeous. Results clearly show the increased value of using multiparameter and interferometric capabilities to charcterize the Earth's surface and vegetation cover and to generate geophysical porducts compared with optical sensors or single-channel radar alone.