N-SAR-SG: The Second Generation Airborne SAR System in N-SAR Series with Multi-Band Capability

To respond the demand of variable scientific applications, such as difficult topography mapping, terrain classification, biomass estimation, and high resolution wide-swath (HRWS) observation, we presented an experimental multi-channel multi-mode polarimetric airborne SAR system named ‘Nriet-SAR’ or ‘N-SAR’ (SAR of Nanjing Research Institute of Electronic Technology) in 2017. As a scalable SAR system, we expand its X-Band architecture to a multi-Band configuration, intending for foliage/building penetration, change detection, littoral surveillance so on. To distinguish it from its ancestor, the latest evolved multi-band payload is entitled as N-SAR Second Generation (N-SAR-SG). In this paper, we attempt to provide a conceptual introduction of the new features, instrument design and the data acquisition capability of N-SAR-SG. Then a series of flight experiments are casted, either under way or in the schedule of the next few years.