Benefits of TerraSAR-X – PAZ Constellation for Maritime Surveillance

Abstract:
This paper focuses on the benefits of constellations for maritime monitoring applications. The Strait of Malacca has been selected as an example area, as in the past, it has been subject to pirate attacks on merchant ships. SAR Missions are already contributing to maritime surveillance worldwide, and the constellation approach offers the opportunity for more frequent observations. With the TerraSAR-X / PAZ constellation significant improvements concerning revisit time, capacity and coverage of area can be achieved. The paper also introduces the new TerraSAR-X Wide ScanSAR mode in terms of ship detection capabilities.