NIASAR-X Low Cost SAR Development

Abstract:
NIASAR-X is the latest evolution of the Airbus low phase centre count approach to low cost space SAR. It evolves the architecture of the NIASAR-S SAR payload (as used on NovaSAR) to X-Band, exploiting GaN am-plifier devices that are now available at this frequency. The central electronics makes use of the already developed NIA product, modified for use at X-Band. However, the front-end differs significantly from the NIASAR-S SAR front-end. Aluminium waveguide is employed to minimise losses. The antenna is realised as a deployable 3-panel structure. Furthermore the front-end electronics units have been integrated into a single ‘Phase Centre Electronics’ unit to minimise mass and cost. The resulting NIASAR-X SAR instrument delivers finer spatial resolution, wider access and larger swaths than NIASAR-S. This paper outlines the payload design and performance, and describes the technology developments that are under way.