Analysis of Spaceborne Tandem Configurations for Complementing COSMO with SAR Interferometry

This paper analyses the possibility of using a fifth passive satellite for endowing the Italian COSMO-SkyMed constellation with cross- and along-track SAR interferometric capabilities, by using simultaneously flying and operating antennas. Fundamentals of developed models are described and potential space configurations are investigated, by considering both formations operating on the same orbital plane and on separated planes. The study is mainly aimed at describing achievable baselines and their time histories along the selected orbits. The effects of tuning orbital parameters, such as eccentricity or ascending node phasing, are pointed out, and simulation results show the most favorable tandem configurations in terms of achieved baseline components, percentage of the orbit adequate for interferometry, and covered latitude intervals.