Efficient data focusing and trajectory reconstruction in airborne SAR systems

Formation of high-resolution SAR images from light-weight platforms is a challenging task primarily due to high instability of such platforms. Additional difficulties are related with the precision of navigation systems. In the paper the problem of residual trajectory deviations are analyzed. An efficient trajectory reconstruction method is proposed. Important practical aspects of the developed approach are discussed. Considered ideas are incorporated into the SAR processing chain. The algorithm efficiency is proven via examples of real SAR data obtained with an X-band airborne SAR system.