Operational aspects of the TanDEM-X Science Phase

Abstract

In the years 2010-2014 the satellites TSX and TDX collected all the Synthetic Aperture Radar (SAR) data necessary to fulfill the primary TanDEM-X mission objective: the generation of a global digital elevation model with unprecedented accuracy. In September 2014, when the necessary data set was almost complete, a transition to the so-called science phase took place. Its focus was the implementation of the TanDEM-X secondary mission objectives. TSX and TDX fly in close formation in low Earth orbit in order to form a SAR interferometer in space with adjustable interferometric baselines. Due to the diversity of scientific applications, the science phase was marked by several baseline and hence formation changes and, in addition, by unusual formation geometries. Modifications to the proven operational handling of SAR payloads and the data downlink became necessary as well as the adaptation of existing safety concepts. Furthermore, the transition from one baseline setting to the other had to be managed operationally safe and in such a way that downtimes were minimal.