TerraSAR-X is an X-band SAR mission for scientific reasearch and applications. It is the first satellite to be built in a public/private partnership in Germany. It carries the experimental Tracking, Occultation and Ranging (TOR) package provided by GFZ and CSR. TOR consists of a two-frequency CHAMP type GPS receiver and a CHAMP Laser Retro-Reflector (LRR).

The mission's objectives are:

the provision of X-band SAR-data for scientific research and applications as well as
the establishment of a commercial EO-market and to develop a sustainable EO-service business, based on TerraSAR-X derived information products.

Mission Instrumentation:

TerraSAR-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)

Mission Parameters:

TerraSAR-X Parameters
Sponsor:	Infoterra, DLR, GFZ (Germany) CSR (U.S.)
Expected Life:	5 years
Primary Applications:	research and applications
Primary SLR Application:	precision orbit determination
COSPAR ID:	0702601
SIC Code:	6201
NORAD SSC Code:	31698
Launch Date:	June 15, 2007
NP Bin Size	5 seconds
RRA Diameter:	5 cm
RRA Shape:	rectangular
Reflectors:	4 corner cubes
Orbit:	sun-synchronous
Inclination:	97.44 degrees
Eccentricity:	0
Perigee:	514 km
Period:	11 days
Weight:	1,230 kg

TerraSAR-X

Mission Photos:

Mission Objectives:

Mission Instrumentation:

Mission Parameters:

Additional Information: