The TanDEM-X Mission — Bi-static SAR for a global DEM

The paper presents an overview on mission objects of the TanDEM-X Mission. TanDEM-X is a satellite mission incorporating two SAR satellites flying in close formation. Their primary mission goal is the acquisition of a highly accurate Digital Elevation Model. After completing a exhaustive commissioning phase, the mission is operationally acquiring since December 2010. The paper addresses the main components of both the mission and the satellites and gives a summary of the challenges of the close formation flight, about the actual mission status and the performance verification activities.