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:

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:	TBD
SIC Code:	TBD
NORAD SSC Code:	TBD
Launch Date:	2009
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:

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