Tandem-L: A mission proposal for monitoring dynamic earth processes

Tandem-L is a mission proposal for an innovative interferometric L-band radar instrument that enables the systematic monitoring of dynamic Earth processes using advanced techniques and technologies. The mission is science driven aiming to provide a unique data set for climate and environmental research, geodynamics, hydrology and oceanography. Important application examples are global forest height and biomass inventories, measurements of Earth deformation due to tectonic processes and/or anthropogenic factors, observations of ice/glacier velocity field and 3-D structure changes, and the monitoring of soil moisture and ocean surface currents. The Tandem-L mission concept consists of two cooperating satellites flying in close formation. The Pol-InSAR and repeat-pass acquisition modes provide a unique data source to observe, analyse and quantify a wide range of mutually interacting processes in the bio-, litho-, hydroand cryosphere. The systematic observation of these processes benefits from the high data acquisition capacity and the novel high-resolution wide-swath SAR imaging modes that combine digital beamforming with a large reflector antenna. This paper provides an overview of the Tandem-L mission concept and its main application areas. It is planned to realise the Tandem-L mission in cooperation with NASA/JPL. The mission concept was developed in detail in a joint two-year pre-phase A study and it will be further studied in the next 18 months. This will allow a cost-effective implementation, whereby each partner contributes its predevelopments and experience. According to current planning, the Tandem-L satellites could be launched in 2019.