RADARSAT-2 SAR Imaging Performance and Calibration

Abstract:
The RADARSAT-2 satellite was launched on December 14th 2007, and the first imaging was performed four days later to start an intensive period of SAR imaging characterization and calibration lasting just under 90 days. At the end of that period the initial calibration for all baseline modes (except Spotlight) had been completed and all modes were ready for operational use. This was ahead of the original plan that included some calibration activities continuing into the early part of the Operational Phase. The RADARSAT-2 mission includes UltraFine, Spotlight and Quad-Polarization modes in addition to the heritage single beam and ScanSAR modes that were provided by RADARSAT-1. All heritage modes are also available with dual (co+cross) polarization combinations. The mission includes several hundred beams and modes and therefore required the development of methods and tools that would allow efficient calibration of groups of beams. The conference presentation will report on the SAR mode validation, image quality and calibration status. Information will be included on the techniques and procedures that were used, and the problems that were dealt with during commissioning.