Spaceborne D-InSAR system: Conceptual overview

Spaceborne D-InSAR system is a kind of SAR satellite system aiming at differential interferometry application. It provides us a capability of measuring subtle deformation on the ground with phase difference. Different from existing satellite SAR missions, during the system conceptual design period, the primary objectives is improving the deformation measurement accuracy of the system. This paper is an overall conceptual description of the system, which paves the way for future research works. First of all, the system performance analysis is the key point as a theoretical foundation. The mathematical analysis model should have two typical characters. On one hand, various practical engineering errors in SAR satellite system need to be considered in mathematical modeling work. On the other hand, how to balance conventional 2/3-pass D-InSAR mode with time-series Persistent Scatterer D-InSAR mode is a big challenge. When we finish the model, experimental verification is also needed. Secondly, the satellite constellation configuration has to be designed to evaluate the system observation capability. Of course, we have to sort out the potential industry applications of the system in all kinds of modes that the system can achieve.