The TanDEM-X satellite mission marks more than 15 years of work in orbit, successfully mapping the Earth in three dimensions and providing the most accurate global digital terrain model (DEM).
Key achievements of the mission
Launch: The TanDEM-X satellite has been launched 21 June 2010 year, joining his “a twin” TerraSAR-X, who works with 2007 year.
Unique technology: Two almost identical satellites fly in close formation, acting as a single single-pass radar interferometer. This allows you to get high-precision altitude data without limitations, characteristic of repeated flights.
Global terrain model: The main goal of the mission was to create a uniform, consistent and highly accurate digital relief model of the entire land surface of the Earth. This model, known as WorldDEM, has a horizontal resolution 12 meters and the relative vertical accuracy is better 2 meters.
Extended service life: The initial planned lifetime of the mission was 5 years, but both satellites have significantly exceeded it and remain fully functional and operational.
Scientific applications: In addition to creating a global DEM, the mission continues to be used for scientific research, including monitoring of dynamic changes in ice sheets, forest massifs and permafrost zones, and also for the development of new methods of radar surveying.
The TanDEM-X mission is implemented as part of a public-private partnership between the German Aerospace Center (DLR) та Airbus Defence and Space.
Source: https://www.spacedaily.com