High Resolution Interferometric Stacking with TerraSAR-X

The German radar satellite TerraSAR-X was launched in June 2007. Radar interferometry (InSAR) is supposed to be one of the major applications of this sensor. It allows the three-dimensional mapping of the Earth´s surface (InSAR) or even its displacement effects using differential interferometry (D-InSAR) or the more advanced persistent scatterer interferometry (PSI). All InSAR-applications are well-supported by the sensor, the SAR-processor and the mission design. DLRs operational interferometric system PSI-GENESIS has been adapted to cope with the new sensor and the innovative acquisition modes. Interferometric example applications could be shown already in the early stage of the six months commissioning phase. In this paper, recent processing examples and an update on the interferometric characteristic are presented.