A compact mm-wave spaceborne SAR concept

A compact design for a mm-wave spaceborne SAR is presented based on two major design goals: firstly a very cost-effective launch by making use of unused space inside the main payload adaptor (a concept known as the ConeXpress), and secondly the achievement of very high resolution, in the order of 10 cm. A feasible concept has been defined in which critical aspects have been addressed, i.e., radar performance, atmosphere, power, weight and size (stowed and deployed), TR module design and thermal behaviour. The designed sensor consists of a phased array with four unfolding panels, and features Spot SAR and strip SAR modes as well as MTI modes. Feasibility of critical aspects has been demonstrated by bread boarding of TR modules and thermally loaded array panels.