Formation Flying Concept for Close Remote Sensing Satellites

Abstract

Synthetic aperture radar (SAR) interferometry is a well-established technique based on the stereoscopic effect induced by matching SAR images obtained from slightly different orbital positions. The image resolution of present SAR interferometers may be improved by means of spacecrafts flying in close formation. In the framework of the TanDEM-X Phase-A Study, this paper discusses a suitable formation flying concept able to realize the demanding baselines for SAR interferometry, while minimizing the collision hazard associated with proximity operations. This study introduces the method, presents and validates an appropriate orbit control strategy and proposes an effective implementation of the distributed satellite concept.