COPERNICUS SENTINEL-1 NEXT GENERATION MISSION: ENHANCED C-BAND DATA CONTINUITY

This paper addresses the planned Copernicus Sentinel-1 Next Generation (NG) mission, which will provide enhanced C-band data continuity beyond the next decade (2030) in support of operational Copernicus services that are routinely using Sentinel-1 data. In particular, it discusses the envisaged SAR performance enhancements and novel imaging capabilities. It focusses on potential SAR system concepts comprising the definition of SAR instrument designs and the analysis of their performance, the launcher compatibility, and pre-development activities for critical technologies. In addition, it discusses the planned embarkation of the Automated Identification System (AIS) payload and the novel VHF Data Exchange System (VDES) in support of maritime surveillance. The Sentinel-1 Next Generation will consider modular and incremental observation concepts, involving NewSpace smallSat SAR constellations to complement Sentinel-1 NG C-band SAR acquisitions.