Contributions to Oil-Spill Detection and Analysis with Radar and Microwave Radiometry: Results of the Archimedes II Campaign

During the Archimedes II campaign in November 1985 (conducted and sponsored by JRC ISPRA) different DFVLR-instruments were flown, an X-band SLAR, an elementary L-band SAR, and microwaveradiometers at 32 and 90 GHz. The objective of these measurements was to evaluate the possibility of detection, localization, and qualification of oil pollution with microwave sensors. Examples of measurement results obtained are presented. As a main result, it can be stated that all of these microwave instruments are valuable and necessary tools for oil pollution detection andoil collection systems.     

Perspectives for the future of spaceborne synthetic aperture radar for Earth observation

Future satellite SAR systems must be small, easy to handle, and cost effective. Starting from the status quo and from user requirements as well as trends, expected developments and perspectives for innovative SAR techniques, technologies and systems for the next two decades will be presented.     

Verification using spaceborne microwave imaging

Synthetic aperture radar (SAR) imaging for arms control verification is discussed. SAR images are particularly suited for verification purposes because their image resolution capabilities are independent of weather conditions, surface penetration, and lighting. Their restrictions are related to data handling and power requirements. Verification requirements, imaging radar principles, target characteristics, and resolution are considered. The choice of frequency and the advantages of diversity are examined. Hardware and data-rate considerations are discussed. Past, present, and future spaceborne SAR systems are briefly surveyed