Next Generation Low Cost Space SAR Developments

Abstract:
NovaSAR-S delivers a significant breakthrough in lowering the cost of spaceborne SAR. Its payload exploits Gallium Nitride technology to realise a capable phased array with just 18 phase centres. This, coupled with the NIA radar central electronics product development, has proved a valid approach for a truly low cost SAR payload, with the flight payload delivered on-time into the ~£50M (including launch) NovaSAR-S mission. In addition, the latest generation of Gallium Nitride high power amplifiers has come on-line, with up to 250W now available at X-Band. These two developments are now coming together to further improve the performance-to-cost ratio of spaceborne SAR payloads, and enable a range of low cost SAR satellites to become a reality. This paper describes the new X-Band GaN based SAR payload products under development and the capabilities they will deliver.