TanDEM-X: Mission Overview and Status

TanDEM-X (TerraSAR-X add-on for Digital Elevation Measurement) opens a new era in space borne radar remote sensing. A single-pass SAR-interferometer with adjustable baselines in across- and in along-track directions is formed by adding a second (TDX), almost identical spacecraft, to TerraSAR-X (TSX) and flying the two satellites in a closely controlled formation. With typical across-track baselines of 200-400m DEMs with 2m relative height accuracy at a 12 m posting will be generated. The HELIX concept provides a save solution for the close formation flight with vertical separation of the two satellites over the poles and adjustable horizontal baselines at the ascending/descending node crossings. The TanDEM-X mission is implemented as a public private partnership (PPP) between the German Aerospace Centre and EADS Astrium GmbH. Representing the Federal Government of Germany, DLR will be the owner of the TanDEM-X data and coordinates their scientific utilisation. Infoterra GmbH a hundred percent subsidiary of EADS Astrium will exclusively distribute the TanDEM-X products to commercial customers. In return EADS Astrium contributes to the development cost of the satellite and will provide a sales-dependent share of the operating cost for the satellite.