Spaceborne synthetic aperture radar instrument modelling

Future spaceborne and airborne synthetic aperture radar (SAR) systems will have greatly enhanced flexibility due to the advances in technology currently being made. An important aspect of any SAR programme is the ability to predict the performance of the instrument, particularly during the design and development stages. This paper addresses the use of software tools, including the SAR Instrument Modelling Software (IMS), which provide the capability to undertake the design trade-offs and performance predictions necessary for the definition of a SAR with multiple operating modes