Overview of the TECSAR Satellite Modes of Operation

Abstract:
The TECSAR Satellite is part of a space-borne SAR (Synthetic Aperture Radar) satellite technology demonstration program. The program purpose is to develop and evaluate the necessary technologies required to achieve high-resolution images combined with large area coverage. These requirements can be achieved by designing a satellite with multi mode operation. The TECSAR Satellite is developed by IAI-MBT Space Division as a prime contractor that develops the satellite bus and Elta Systems Ltd. that develops the SAR payload. The TECSAR Satellite is capable of multi mode operation. In this paper we review the modes of operation of the payload, including some operational aspects of the modes implementation. These modes include the Wide Coverage (Scan) mode, Strip Modes, Spot Modes and the unique Mosaic Mode that is the spot version of the Scan mode. We will describe the system design that enables us to perform this variety of operational modes, review the SAR ground station that processes the images in the different modes.