SIR-C/X-SAR - Spaceborne Imaging Radar-C/X-Band Synthetic Aperture Radar

SIR-C - built by NASA/JPL

• L-band (24cm) and C-band (6cm)
• Can measure different polarizations

X-SAR - built by Dornier/DARA and Alenia/ASI

• X-band (3cm)

Flown on the Space Shuttle Endeavour in April 1994 (Mission STS-59) and in October 1994 (Mission STS-68). These two missions are known as Space Radar Lab-1 (SRL-1) and Space Radar Lab-2 (SRL-2).

Science Objectives

• Vegetation type, extent and deforestation
• Soil moisture content
• Ocean dynamics, wave and surface wind speeds and directions
• Volcanism and tectonic activity
• Soil erosion and desertification
• Surface topography

SIR-C/X-SAR Imaging

This schematic diagram shows the SIR-C/X-SAR antennas illuminating an area on the ground, and mapping out a data swath as the Shuttle moves forward.

The area shown is a Seasat image of Los Angeles, California.

Deploying SIR-C

Space Shuttle doors closed during launch and landing.

Space Shuttle doors open, showing SIR-C/X-SAR antenna once on orbit.

End-on view, showing radar antenna tilted in Shuttle bay.

Slides - Table of Contents

Converted to the IBM-PC by Al Wong, sirced03@southport.jpl.nasa.gov

Jet Propulsion Laboratory
4800 Oak Grove Drive
Pasadena, CA 91109