The TanDEM-X space segment

The TanDEM-X satellite is essentially a rebuild of the TerraSAR-X satellite operated successfully since 2007. The TanDEM-X mission became a vision during the development of the TerraSAR-X satellite. Therefore, necessary design extensions have already been implemented on TerraSAR-X to support future synchronised operation of both radars. The bus design of TanDEM-X has been extended with respect to TerraSAR-X to allow formation flight of both satellites. The software changes relevant for the Tandem mission have been verified during the TanDEM-X on-ground tests and then also uplinked to the TerraSAR-X satellite in preparation of the formation flight. This paper describes the TanDEM-X design and In-Orbit verification results concentrating on the differences to TerraSAR-X and the aspects of bistatic operation.