The German radar satellite, TanDEM-X, has completed tests qualifying it for space operation in preparation for launch atop a Dnepr rocket in June 2010.
Extensive tests to qualify the satellite covered electromagnetic compatibility tests, thermal-vacuum tests, including solar simulation, vibration tests, acoustic tests and tests on the satellite’s mass properties.
The spacecraft, a public-private partnership project by German Aerospace Centre (DLR) and Astrium, is a twin to the TerraSAR-X satellite, which has been in operation since 2007.
TanDEM-X, like its twin, will gather data for a digital elevation model portraying the Earth’s landmasses in unprecedented quality.
The two satellites will form a radar interferometer for the three-year model and fly in close formation for terrain images from different viewing angles.
The pair are scheduled to map the complete land area of Earth – 150 million square kilometres – on a 12m grid with a relative vertical accuracy of less than 2m.
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By GlobalData
