GPS Based Relative Navigation for the TanDEM-X Mission – First Flight Results

O. Montenbruck, M. Wermuth, R. Kahle

Abstract:	TanDEM-X is the first Synthetic Aperture Radar (SAR) mission using close formation flying for bistatic SAR interferometry. Within the next three years, TanDEM-X will enable a global mapping of the Earth to produce a high accuracy, high resolution digital elevation model (DEM) of the entire globe. As a prerequisite for the interferometric SAR processing, the relative position, or baseline, of the two spacecraft must be determined with millimeter accuracy. In support of this task, the two spacecraft are equipped with geodetic-grade GPS receivers. Independent baseline solutions will be generated by expert teams at both the German Space Operations Center (DLR/GSOC) and the German Research Centre for Geosciences (GFZ). These will be merged into a quality controlled combined product prior to use in the interferometric SAR processing. The paper provides an overview of the baseline determination process and discusses specific aspects such as phase pattern calibration, ambiguity resolution and a trade-off between single-and dual-frequency solutions. First flight results from the early commissioning phase are presented.
Published in:	Proceedings of the 23rd International Technical Meeting of the Satellite Division of The Institute of Navigation (ION GNSS 2010) September 21 - 24, 2010 Oregon Convention Center, Portland, Oregon Portland, OR
Pages:	2797 - 2807
Cite this article:	Updated citation: Published in NAVIGATION: Journal of the Institute of Navigation
Full Paper:	ION Members/Non-Members: 1 Download Credit Sign In