The Active Microwave Instrument on-board the ERS-1 satellite
Article Abstract:
The European Space Agency's European Remote Sensing Satellite, ERS-1, was designed for systematic observation of the earth's surface; the satellite uses advanced microwave techniques that allow global measurements and imaging to occur independently of clouds and sunlight conditions. ERS-1 is scheduled for launch on an ARIANE IV launcher on Jul 16, 1991; it is the first in a series of satellites planned in the 1990s for study of the environment by providing information on operational meteorology, sea-state forecasting, and monitoring of sea ice distribution for shipping and off-shore activities. ERS-1's payload consists of an active microwave instrument (AMI), a radar altimeter for sea-surface measurements, an along-track scanning radiometer and microwave sounder, precise range and range-rate equipment, and a laser retro-reflector. The AMI system is described in detail.
Publication Name: Proceedings of the IEEE
Subject: Electronics
ISSN: 0018-9219
Year: 1991
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Magellan imaging radar mission to Venus
Article Abstract:
The Magellan Mission to Venus, sponsored by the US National Aeronautics and Space Administration and managed by the Jet Propulsion Laboratory (JPL), was begun from the aborted Venus Orbiting Imaging Radar (VOIR) mission, which was approved in 1980 but cancelled in 1981. VOIR entailed a circular orbit with eight science instruments, including a multiresolution synthetic aperture radar (SAR); the scaled-down mission intended to map 70 percent of the surface of Venus at a resolution better than one kilometer equivalent optical line pair, which translates into about 400-meter radar resolution. The Magellan mission is intended to improve the knowledge of geological history of Venus through analysis of surface morphology and electrical properties; the Magellan spacecraft and radar system design are described, including the radar mapping sequencing software and radar sensor.
Publication Name: Proceedings of the IEEE
Subject: Electronics
ISSN: 0018-9219
Year: 1991
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