NovaSAR-S low cost spaceborne SAR payload design, development and deployment of a new benchmark in spaceborne radar

Abstract

The NovaSAR-S Synthetic Aperture Radar (SAR) payload is the product of a UK national programme to establish a low cost radar system which enables affordable access to spaceborne microwave radar imaging. The S-band SAR payload provides highly capable, multi-mode SAR with a finest spatial resolution of 6m and incorporates a novel wide swath maritime surveillance mode. The payload features an active phased array with a markedly low phase centre count. The competiveness of this system has been achieved through the exploitation of new technology opportunities such as high efficiency Gallium Nitride solid-state power amplifiers, and working with a range of small UK companies to take advantage of developments from the commercial off-the-shelf domain. Also, the design and development approach has been a significant departure from previous SAR programmes with a strategy to maximise benefit from previous technology heritage, use generic flexible products, and employ a project structure centred on a small team with low overheads. The NovaSAR-S programme is based on the core principle of design-to-cost against aggressive mission price targets in order to address customers who are looking to enter into the SAR Earth Observation domain and who require the capabilities of an operational constellation, or demand a low cost of ownership. The capabilities of the S-band payload are well-suited to support a range of Earth Observation applications with specific emphasis on maritime surveillance and a range of land cover classification domains, particularly where constellation configurations providing frequent revisit is critical. The payload will be launched on the NovaSAR-S first mission in 2017 and has a nominal operational lifetime of 7 years. Follow-on S-band and X-band payloads are anticipated, and are being developed according to the same model as NovaSAR-S. The NovaSAR-S mission is a collaboration between Airbus Defence and Space (SAR payload and Image Processor) and Surrey Satellite Technology Limited (Satellite Platform). The first mission has been funded by a combination of UK government and internal Airbus Defence and Space investment.