TanDEM-X
Jump to: Mission Objectives, Mission Instrumentation, Mission Parameters, Additional Information
Mission Photos:
TanDEM-X (Courtesy of DLR)
Mission Objectives:
The goal of the TerraSAR-X add-on for Digital Elevation Measurement (TanDEM-X) mission is to generate a high-accuracy global Digital Elevation Model (DEM). The goal will be achieved through a second SAR satellite (TanDEM-X) flying in a tandem orbit configuration with TerraSAR-X. Like TerraSAR-X, the satellite also carries the experimental Tracking, Occultation and Ranging (TOR) package provided by GFZ. TOR consists of a two-frequency CHAMP type GPS receiver and a CHAMP Laser Retro-Reflector (LRR).
The mission's objectives are:
- generation of DEM (e.g., for hydrology)
- along-track interferometry (e.g., for measurement of ocean currents)
- bi-static applications (e.g., polarmetric SAR interferometry)
High-precision orbit determination and interferometric baseline vector information of the tandem configuration will be accomplished through the TOR instrument.
The ILRS Governing Board approved the TanDEM-X support request in May 2008.
Mission Instrumentation:
TanDEM-X has the following instrumentation onboard:
- Active phased array X-band SAR
- Tracking, Occultation, and Ranging (TOR) package
- GPS receiver
- Retroreflector array
- Laser Communication Terminal (LCT)
TanDEM-X Mission Parameters:
| Sponsor: | DLR, GFZ, Infoterra (Germany) |
| Expected Life: | 5 years |
| Primary Applications: | research and applications |
| Primary SLR Application: | precision orbit determination |
| COSPAR ID: | 1003001 |
| SIC Code: | 6202 |
| Satellite Catalog (NORAD) Number: | 36605 |
| Launch Date: | 21-Jun-2010 |
| NP Bin Size | 5 seconds |
| RRA Diameter: | 5 cm |
| RRA Shape: | rectangular |
| Reflectors: | 4 corner cubes |
| Orbit: | polar-synchronous |
| Inclination: | 98 degrees |
| Eccentricity: | 0 |
| Perigee: | 514 km |
| Period: | 11 days |
| Weight: | 1,230 kg |
Additional Information:
Web sites:
Publications:
- Arnold, D., Montenbruck, O.., Hackel, S., and K. Sosnica (2019), "Satellite laser ranging to low Earth orbiters: orbit and network validation", J. Geodesy: 93(11), pp. 2315-2334, DOI: 10.1007/s00190-018-1140-4.
- Hackel, S., Gisinger, C., Balss, U., Wermuth, M., and O. Montenbruck (2018), "Long-Term Validation of TerraSAR-X and TanDEM-X Orbit Solutions with Laser and Radar Measurements", Remote Sensing, 10(5), 762, DOI: 10.3390/rs10050762
- Rizzoli, P., Martone, M., Gonzalez, C., et al. (2017), "Generation and performance assessment of the global TanDEM-X digital elevation model", ISPRS Journal of Photogrammetry and Remote Sensing, 132, pp. 119-139, DOI: 10.1016/j.isprsjprs.2017.08.008
- Krieger, K., Zink M., Bachmann, M., et al. (2013), "TanDEM-X: A radar interferometer with two formation-flying satellites", Acta Astronautica, 89, pp. 83-98, DOI: 10.1016/j.actaastro.2013.03.008
- Krieger, K., Moreira A., Fieldler, H., Hajnsek, I., Werner, M., Younis, M., and M. Zin (2007), "TanDEM-X: A Satellite Formation for High-Resolution SAR Interferometry", IEEE Transactions on Geoscience and Remote Sensing, 45(11), 3317 - 3341, DOI: 10.1109/TGRS.2007.900693
