(DEM, <12 m posting and <2 m height accuracy) as the basis for a wide range of scientific research, as well as for operational DEM production.
The TanDEM-X mission is a novel way to realize an operational single pass SAR interferometer utilizing TerraSAR-X technology in a new system context.
Further important mission goals are:
In addition, TanDEM-X will provide the same capabilities as TerraSAR-X, i.e. Stripmap mode with 30 km swath and 3 m resolution, ScanSAR mode with 100 km swath and 16 m resolution and Spotlight mode with 10 km swath and up to 1 meter resolution.
In order to achieve the primary goal of the TanDEM-X mission, a global mapping in DTED-2 quality in ScanSAR mode is being considered. This will be performed in the first year of the mission. Following this phase, DTED-3 topographic mapping will be carried out in stripmap mode. The possibility to achieve DTED-4 topographic mapping on a local and/or regional scale is also under investigation.
For along-track interferometry a dedicated mission phase with adequate along-track baseline is under investigation.