Bremen 2017 – scientific programme

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UP: Fachverband Umweltphysik

UP 6: Methoden - Fernerkundung

UP 6.1: Invited Talk

Wednesday, March 15, 2017, 08:30–09:00, GW2 B3009

Tandem-L: Highly Innovative Interferometric Radar Satellite Mission for Climate Research and Environmental Monitoring — •Alberto Moreira — German Aerospace Center (DLR), Microwaves and Radar Institute, Wessling/Oberpfaffenhofen, Germany

Tandem-L is a proposal for a highly innovative L-band SAR satellite mission for the global 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 with up to 8 Terabytes/day, it will provide vital information for solving pressing scientific questions in the biosphere, geosphere, cryosphere, and hydrosphere. The Tandem-L mission concept is based on the use of two SAR satellites with variable formation flight configurations and is distinguished by its high degree of innovation with respect to the methodology and technology. Examples are the polarimetric SAR interferometry for measuring forest height, multi-pass coherence tomography for determining the vertical structure of vegetation and ice, the utilization of the latest digital beamforming techniques in combination with a large deployable reflector for increasing the swath width and imaging resolution, as well as the formation flying of two cooperative radar satellites with adjustable spacing for single-pass interferometry. Hence, in a time of intensive scientific and public debate on the extent and influence of climate change, Tandem-L will deliver vital missing information for improved scientific predictions upon which socio-political decisions can be based.