Multistatic and Multi-Aperture SAR Systems

Abstract

This tutorial provides an overview of multistatic and multi-aperture SAR systems. Such systems employ spatially distributed antennas to simultaneously acquire backscattering information from multiple view angles. This information is well suited to improve the performance and to acquire new information products. The tutorial is divided into two parts. The first part is devoted to the capabilities and challenges of advanced bistatic and multistatic SAR systems. Various bi- and multistatic SAR configurations are introduced and their potential is assessed with regard to different remote sensing applications. Important steps in the mission design and optimization are explained by means of TanDEM-X which will be the first multistatic radar in space. Further, major challenges such as phase and time synchronisation, bistatic SAR processing, safe formation flying as well as relative position sensing are addressed. The second part is devoted to innovative multi-aperture and digital beamforming radar systems. Such systems employ multiple parallel channels on a single platform to overcome fundamental limitations of current SAR sensors. An important application is the development of novel high-resolution wide-swath SAR systems that will in the future significantly enhance the mapping and monitoring capabilities for advanced remote sensing applications. The focus of the tutorial will be on spaceborne radar systems, but some examples from airborne campaigns will also be provided for illustration.