SAR Architectures based on DBF for C- and X-band applications

This paper gives an overview on current activities at Astrium GmbH in Friedrichshafen in the field of technology development for future space-borne SAR systems based on Digital Beam Forming. The focus is put on both, C-band and X-band applications. The critical modules for future instruments are identified and their functionalities are briefly described. The effort aims, from an application point of view, at significant increase of the imaging capabilities of future SAR systems.