TerraSAR-X makes interim stop in Ottobrunn

TerraSAR-X is a new-generation high-resolution radar satellite which functions in the X-band (9.65 GHz). The TerraSAR-X, which is over five metres high and weighs over a ton, is due for launch in mid 2006 using a Russian booster rocket and is expected to orbit at an altitude of approximately 500 kilometres. Since the earth rotates away from its orbit, all of the areas of the earth will gradually appear in strips in the satellite's field of vision. Preferred observations of any given point can be performed within 3 days or less.

It is the first satellite in Germany to be financed and implemented in a public-private partnership (PPP) between the DLR and EADS Astrium. The project opens up great potential for the scientific use of radar data and at the same time represents a milestone for the sustained commercialisation of earth observation data. Among potential customers are planning and consultancy offices, the food and raw materials industry, insurance companies and environmental authorities.

Testing within the IABG will take place between October 2005 and February 2006. The series of tests is set to include thermal-vacuum/thermal-balance tests, acoustic, vibration and electromagnetic tests as well as determination of the mass properties.

For more detailed information concerning this PPP project and the TerraSAR-X's technical details, please refer to internet page <link http: www.dlr.de dlr desktopdefault.aspx tabid-10002 external-link-new-window externen link in neuem>DLR online news or GeoKomm.