SAR earth observation satellites heritage, status quo and way ahead in Europe and Germany

Space-based SAR technology enables weather & daylight-independent monitoring capabilities over vast regions, at different spatial-resolution modes. Availability in lieu of intuitiveness and Area in lieu of Resolution are known trade-offs for those in urgent need of information. Newest techniques are changing the game as the old trade-offs crumble. Offered here is an overview of past space-borne SAR missions in Europe and Germany. A brief description is given of the current status of ongoing missions and projects. A summarized missions' roadmap towards new technological milestones is presented.