Puneet Varma (Editor)

TanDEM X

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Mission type
  
Radar Imaging

COSPAR ID
  
2010-030A

Launch site
  
Baikonur 109/95

Launch date
  
21 June 2010

Speed on orbit
  
7.5 km/s

Cost
  
165 million EUR (2010)

Operator
  
DLR

Website
  
Home

Reference system
  
Geocentric

Orbit height
  
514 km

Rocket
  
Dnepr

Manufacturer
  
EADS Astrium Satellites

TanDEM-X DLR Institut fr Hochfrequenztechnik und Radarsysteme TanDEMX

Similar
  
TerraSAR‑X, Mars Express, Radarsat‑1, Advanced Land Observati, Radarsat‑2

Launch tandem x 21 june 2010


TanDEM-X (TerraSAR-X add-on for Digital Elevation Measurement) is the name of TerraSAR-X's twin satellite, a German Earth observation satellite using SAR (Synthetic Aperture Radar) - a modern radar imaging technology. Implemented in a Public-Private-Partnership between the German Aerospace centre (DLR) and EADS Astrium (now Airbus Defence and Space), it is a second, almost identical spacecraft to TerraSAR-X. TanDEM-X is also the name of the satellite mission flying the two satellites in a closely controlled formation with typical distances between 250 and 500 m. This unique twin satellite constellation will allow the generation of the WorldDEM™, the seamless global digital elevation models available from 2014.

Contents

Creating tandem x satellite from terrasar x savoir


Mission

TanDEM-X WorldDEM Airbus Defence and Space

The primary mission objective is the generation of WorldDEM, a consistent global Digital Elevation Model (DEM) with an unprecedented accuracy according to better than DTED Level 2 specifications. WorldDEM resolution will correspond to DTED Level 3 (post spacing of better than 12 meters) and a height accuracy of better than 2m (relative)- a standard not yet defined. Digital Elevation Models of posting better than DTED Level 2 are often called HRTI (High Resolution Terrain Information) DEM.

WorldDEM™

TanDEM-X TerraSARX and TanDEMX flying in close formation International

With an unprecedented accuracy, coverage and quality, WorldDEM is a consistent DEM of the Earth’s entire land surface, acquired and generated within three years after launch. Available from 2014, WorldDEM is to feature a vertical accuracy of 2m (relative) and 4m (absolute), within a horizontal raster of approximately 12x12 square meters, slightly varying depending on the geographic latitude. Infoterra GmbH, a 100% subsidiary of Astrium, holds the exclusive commercial marketing rights for the WorldDEM™ and is responsible for the adaptation of the elevation model to the needs of commercial users worldwide. Accuracy over forested areas is unknown at this time however.

First 3D Image

TanDEM-X TanDEMX Science DEM Demo Download Page

Researchers at the German Aerospace Center facility in Oberpfaffenhofen published the first 3D images from the TanDEM-X satellite mission. A group of Russian islands of the Severnaya Zemlya group in the Arctic Ocean was selected for the first test.

TanDEM-X wwwdlrdeenPortaldata1Resourcesportalnewsn

TanDEM-X TanDEMX the Earth in three dimensions

References

TanDEM-X Wikipedia