Wide-Swath Ocean Topography using Formation Flying Under Squinted Geometries

Abstract

Ocean topography using SAR interferometry requires coherent observations of the sea surface. To observe the surface coherently, the along-track baseline between observations of the same scene must be kept to a minimum. Minimising the along-track baseline while maintaining a cross-track baseline that allows good sensitivity to relative surface height is difficult to achieve in satellite missions. This paper shows how a squinted line of sight allows single-pass cross-track interferometry with a wide swath over oceans. The Harmony candidate mission will have a formation that uses such an acquisition geometry to coherently observe the oceans.