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TerraSAR-X
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From 2006 on Terra SAR will provide earth observation radar data of
a new quality with up to 1 m resolution.
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Characteristics
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| Launch Date |
2006 |
| Orbit |
Sun-synchronous |
| Orbit altitude |
514 km |
| Resolution |
up to 1m |
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The Flying Radar System
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The TerraSAR System comprises two radar satellites which operate in different
frequencies and thereby optimally complement each other. The TerraSAR mission
has its origin in an industrial initiative to provide market-derived X- and L-band SAR
products from a pair of spacecraft operating in tandem in a sun-synchronous orbit.
It was proposed by the British National Space Centre (BNSC) and the German Aerospace
Centre (DLR) for implementation as an element of ESA´s Earth Watch programme.
From 2006, the new 1 metre resolution radar satellite TerraSAR-X will be delivering Earth
observation data for scientific, institutional and commercial users. TerraSAR-X will be the
first satellite realized in a Public/Private Partnership in Germany, as EADS Astrium GmbH
and the German Aerospace Centre (DLR) share the costs for construction and implementation of the satellite.
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Scientific Objectives
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- Landcover mapping and change detection for GMES services
- Forest certification, auditing support, forest cover monitoring
- Agriculture: crop type mapping, precision farming (irrigation, fertilization and pesticide application)
- Cartography: Basis for topographic mapping
- Utilities: Planning and monitoring of supply networks (e.g. oil pipelines)
- Planning: Regional and urban planning, environmental protection support
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| ©Copyright 2004 LSE Space Engineering & Operations AG |
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