TerraSAR-X and TanDEM-X After 13 Years of Joint SAR and DEM Mission

The German SAR satellites TerraSAR-X and TanDEM-X are in orbit since 2007 and 2010, respectively. This paper gives an overview about the challenges faced by such long-enduring missions, recent measures taken to preserve the satellites and to continue the mission, and major lessons learned for future SAR missions.

1. INTRODUCTION

The first German radar satellite TerraSAR-X (TSX) was launched June 15, 2007 [1]. It is capable to acquire SAR images in various modes, such as Spotlight, Stripmap or ScanSAR. Due to its flexible commandability, the mode and product portfolio was extended throughout the mission by further high-resolution and wide coverage modes.