Sentinel-1 Next Generation: C-band Data Continuity and Novel Capabilities

Abstract:
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, we discuss potential SAR and SAR interferometry (InSAR) performance enhancements and novel imaging capabilities for vessel detection and velocity estimation for vessels and ocean surface currents, respectively. In addition, we present results of the preliminary mission analysis, addressing the coverage, revisit time, and repeat-orbit interval for SAR interferometry. Further, we discuss different SAR system concepts, which were considered during the feasibility study phase.