Imaging Radars
type: Concept

AIRSAR
type: Concept
in scheme: instruments
definition: NASA/JPL have built and operated a series of airborne imaging radar systems. NASA/JPL currently maintain and operate an airborne SAR system, known as AIRSAR/TOPSAR, which flies on a NASA DC-8 jet. In one mode of operation, this system is capable of simultaneously collecting all four polarizations (HH,HV, VH and VV) for three frequencies: L- band (lambda ~ 24 cm); C-band (lambda ~ 6 cm) ; and P-band (lambda ~ 68 cm). In another mode of operation, the AIRSAR/TOPSAR system collects all four polarizations (HH,HV, VH and VV) for two frequencies: L- band (lambda ~ 24 cm); and P-band (lambda ~ 68 cm), while operating as an interferometer at C-band to simultaneously generate topographic height data. AIRSAR/TOPSAR also has an along-track interferometer mode which is used to measure current speeds. Typical image sizes for AIRSAR/TOPSAR products are 12kmx12km, with 10 meter resolution in both dimensions. Topographic map products generated by the TOPSAR system have been shown to have a height accuracy of 1 m in relatively flat areas, and 5 m height accuracy in mountainous areas. For more information on AirSAR or AirSAR data products and imagery, see: "http://airsar.jpl.nasa.gov" Radar Data Center Mail Stop 300 - 233 Jet Propulsion Laboratory 4800 Oak Grove Drive Pasadena, CA 91109 Fax: (818) 393 2640 e-mail: radar.data@jpl.nasa.gov "http://southport.jpl.nasa.gov"