Tandem-L Project Status

Abstract

Tandem-L is a proposal for a highly innovative L-band SAR mission for the systematic observation of dynamic processes on the Earth’s surface with hitherto unparalleled quality and resolution. Thanks to the novel imaging techniques and the vast recording capacity of up to 8 terabytes per day, it will provide vital information for solving pressing scientific questions in the biosphere, geosphere, cryosphere, and hydrosphere and will make an essential contribution for a better understanding of the Earth system and its dynamics. The mission concept is based on the use of two SAR satellites operating in L-band with variable formation flight configurations and is distinguished by its high degree of innovation. Examples are: 1) the use of polarimetric SAR interferometry (Pol-InSAR) for measuring forest height, multi-pass coherence tomography for determining the vertical structure of vegetation and ice, 2) the utilization of the latest digital beamforming techniques in combination with a large deployable reflector for increasing the swath width and imaging resolution, and 3) the formation flight of two cooperative radar satellites with adjustable baselines for single-pass interferometry. In this presentation, we provide an overview of the current status of this innovative mission.