Evaluating the performance of multi-satellite constellations for Earthobserving SAR missions

Abstract:
We have created a tool for evaluating performance and gauging the potential scientific value of a diverse range of Synthetic Aperture Radar (SAR) satellite architectures. Our software ingests instrument, orbital, and mission parameters for one or more spacecraft, along with models to account for various sources of noise that may affect observations. These noise sources encompass factors such as the interaction of the radar signal with particles in the ionosphere and troposphere, changing Earth surface conditions, and others. The output of our tool provides an estimate of the expected overall error when measuring deformation at specific points on the Earth’s surface. The selection of these points is based on their relevance to particular scientific disciplines. In this presentation, we show examples of science performance evaluations for several multi-satellite constellations and provide comparative measures of their capability for making geodetic measurements for scientific research and applications.