SAR-Technology Department

F-SAR
DLR research aircraft Dornier Do-228, the usual carrier platform for F-SAR
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The SAR Technology department is primarily engaged in the development, operation and data processing of the Institute’s airborne SAR systems, as well as in research in the areas of high precision SAR focusing and image analysis.

Airborne SAR has been a central research area at the Institute for more several decades. The research work performed with the airborne systems is an important contribution to the design and operation of future innovative spaceborne SAR systems. The airborne systems are used to simulate SAR data products of future SAR systems, as well as to research new SAR imaging and processing techniques (for example bistatic SAR, circular SAR, holographic SAR, polarimetric SAR interferometry, tomography and digital beamforming). Scientific acquisition campaigns for business, universities, national and international research institutions and agencies are carried out on a regular basis to prosper the development of new information products based on SAR data.

F-SAR cabin installation in maximum expansion stage
F-SAR cabin installation in maximum expansion stage, with X-,C-, S-, L- and P-band racks.

The current operational system, the F-SAR sensor, has been entirely designed and developed by the department and can be considered as one of the most advanced and flexible airborne SAR sensors in the world. A digital beamforming extension – the so-called DBFSAR system – is currently under development. The department is also operating a large-scale Compact Test Range (CTR) facility for antenna measurements and radar cross-section characterization.

Another important research task of the department is the development of new algorithms for data processing of spaceborne SAR data, particularly exploiting new sensor capabilities and new experimental imaging modes. The specific experience of the department, arising from the complex processing of airborne SAR data, forms an ideal base and generates significant synergies.

The department consists of five groups that, taken together, constitute DLR’s entire end-to-end expertise in the area of airborne SAR. The Signal Processing and Multimodal Algorithms groups also concentrate the department’s expert knowledge concerning SAR image processing, making significant contributions to new concepts and techniques for satellite SAR systems.

Full polarimetric X-band imaging of an agricultural scene
Resolution approx. 25 cm

The department consists of five groups, which together cover DLR's entire end-to-end expertise in the field of airborne SAR. The Signal Processing and Multimodal Algorithms groups continue to bundle the department's expertise in the field of SAR image processing and make important contributions to new concepts and techniques for satellite-based SAR systems.

Research and Project Groups

Airborne SAR Missions

The Airborne SAR group is responsible for the organization and execution of test and measurement flights and large scale scientific flight campaigns with the Institute’s airborne SAR sensors. The group is also responsible for operating and maintaining the airborne SAR calibration test site, as well as organizing the external sensor calibration during scientific flight campaigns.

Airborne Radar Systems

Radar system development, testing of new SAR techniques and concepts, design and development of analogue and digital subsystems, design and development of hardware and software for the control of radar systems, realization of subsystems for radar data recording, system integration and system tests.

Antennas

The Antenna group focuses on the SAR antenna design, simulation and development, in particular for the airborne SAR activities of the Institute, but also for various other applications. The group also operates the Institute’s Compact Test Range (CTR) – a high-precision measurement chamber for antenna characterization and radar cross section measurements.

Signal Processing

Development of innovative algorithms and techniques for airborne SAR signal processing (interferometry, polarimetry, tomography, differential interferometry, multi-pass interferometry), operational processing of SAR data acquired with the airborne sensors of the Institute, data archiving via DIMS (Data Information and Management System), studies and project contributions for national and international SAR missions.

Multimodal Algorithms

End-to-end SAR processing chain: spaceborne SAR image focusing up to DEM generation, differential SAR interferometry and SAR tomography, interferometric processing for TanDEM-X (including the bistatic processor), new processing algorithms for innovative satellite-based image modes (high resolution SAR, TOPS mode, gliding spotlight), performance analyses of future missions (Tandem-L, observation of SAR satellite signals using UAVs) and research activities on airborne sensors (SAR tomography, differential SAR interferometry, motion compensation).

Kontakt

Prof. Dr. Andreas Reigber

Head of Department SAR Technology
Microwaves and Radar Institute
SAR Technology
Muenchner Strasse 20, 82234 Wessling
Germany