PUBLISHER: Aviation & Defense Market Reports (A&D) | PRODUCT CODE: 1383257
PUBLISHER: Aviation & Defense Market Reports (A&D) | PRODUCT CODE: 1383257
Remote sensing satellites equipped with Synthetic Aperture Radar (SAR) sensors capture high-resolution images of the Earth's surface using radar technology. SAR satellites use microwave frequencies to penetrate clouds, darkness, and even some types of vegetation, as opposed to optical sensors that rely on visible or infrared light.
The satellite sends microwave signals to the Earth's surface, which is how Synthetic Aperture Radar works. The SAR sensor collects the signals that bounce back and measures the time it takes for the signals to return. SAR satellites can generate detailed images of the Earth's surface by analyzing the phase and amplitude of the returned signals.
SAR satellites are capable of producing high-resolution images with details as small as a few meters in size. The resolution is determined by factors such as microwave signal frequency, antenna size, and distance between the satellite and the target. Land cover, topography, surface deformation, and changes over time can all be revealed by SAR images.
One of the key advantages of SAR satellites is their ability to operate regardless of weather or lighting conditions. In contrast to optical sensors, which are limited by clouds, haze, or darkness, SAR can penetrate these barriers, making it suitable for imaging in areas with frequent cloud cover or at night.
SAR imagery is used for mapping land cover, monitoring vegetation, and detecting changes in ecosystems. It contributes to the monitoring of deforestation, coastal erosion, and land subsidence. SAR can also detect oil spills and help with natural disaster assessments such as floods and earthquakes. SAR satellites have military applications such as surveillance, reconnaissance, and strategic terrain mapping. They are capable of detecting and tracking moving objects, monitoring border areas, and providing situational awareness in remote or hostile environments. Bridges, dams, pipelines, and roads are among the infrastructures monitored by SAR satellites. They can detect ground deformation and subsidence, identify potential hazards, and aid in structural integrity assessment.