RADARSAT-2 calibration: proposed targets and techniques

RADARSAT-2 is an advanced synthetic aperture radar satellite scheduled for launch in 2003. The satellite will be equipped with an active phased array antenna which will be used to provide a wide variety of beams and modes, including all the beams and modes of RADARSAT-1 and additional Ultra-fine resolution, dual and quad-polarimetric modes. The large number and variety of modes presents a major calibration challenge and, because the satellite is intended for operational use, efficient means for achieving and maintaining this calibration are essential. This paper identifies the three principal types of target which are planned for use in achieving radiometric, polarimetric, geo-location, and other types of calibration for RADARSAT-2, and describes how the data will be analyzed to generate the required calibration information.