TerraSAR-X Staring Spotlight Mode Optimization and Global Performance Predictions

Abstract

For the TerraSAR-X mission a new staring spotlight mode has been implemented delivering very high azimuth resolution. Detailed performance analyses have been conducted in order to optimize the commanding parameters for this mode. Compared to the previously available TerraSAR-X imaging modes, staring spotlight requires operating the instrument with minimum margins and at the edge of the specifications the radar has been designed for. Therefore an additional step – a global acquisition simulation and analysis – is introduced during the operationalization to ensure the suitability of the derived commanding parameters on a global scale. The paper gives an overview about SAR performance analyses conducted for the mode optimization and implementation phases and presents a novel global performance assessment approach, which is in general applicable for the verification of operational SAR modes. Additionally, measurement results and exemplary acquisitions are shown.