The German Earth observation programme: building on the success of TerraSAR-X and RapidEye

Peter Schaadt

doi:10.1117/12.737924

17 October 2007 The German Earth observation programme: building on the success of TerraSAR-X and RapidEye

Peter Schaadt

Proceedings Volume 6744, Sensors, Systems, and Next-Generation Satellites XI; 674407 (2007) https://doi.org/10.1117/12.737924
Event: SPIE Remote Sensing, 2007, Florence, Italy

Abstract

In addition to five years of routine operations of SCIAMACHY on-board of ESA's ENVISAT mission, the launches of the TerraSAR-X and RapidEye missions and the beginning of both their operational phases are the major milestones for the German Space Programme in 2007 and 2008. These two missions will contribute significantly to the European GMES-Initiative and to the Global Earth Observation System of Systems (GEOSS) and enhance the knowledge about state and dynamics of the Earth's system. Both missions are implemented under public-private-partnership between government and industry, an innovative economic scheme for space mission implementation. With the TanDEM-X and the Hyperspectral EnMAP mission this efficient way of sharing competences, costs and responsibilities on one hand and benefits on the other hand will be further followed. In addition, with MetImage Germany started the development of an imaging radiometer for the European post-EPS satellite system of EUMETSAT. These five attractive missions are important contributions of the German Earth Observation Community to the global system. This investment underlines the political objective of Europe and Germany to advance the environmental agenda. In parallel technology developments for next generation Earth Observation instruments have started, namely High Resolution Wide Swath SAR (Synthetic Aperture Radar), IR detectors and coolers, optical components and mechanisms for LEO and GEO and high power Mixed Garnet laser transmitters for LIDAR (Light Detecting and Ranging) applications. With these activities Germany will be able to provide future Earth Observation missions with suitable technologies as an answer to the increasing complexity of user requirements. In this paper the objectives and the strategy of the German Earth Observation Programme will be explained and the main elements, i.e. missions and technology developments as well as the plans for the future will be introduced.

Citation Download Citation

Peter Schaadt "The German Earth observation programme: building on the success of TerraSAR-X and RapidEye", Proc. SPIE 6744, Sensors, Systems, and Next-Generation Satellites XI, 674407 (17 October 2007); https://doi.org/10.1117/12.737924

ACCESS THE FULL ARTICLE

INSTITUTIONAL
Select your institution to access the SPIE Digital Library.

SELECT YOUR INSTITUTION

PERSONAL
Sign in with your SPIE account to access your personal subscriptions or to use specific features such as save to my library, sign up for alerts, save searches, etc.

PERSONAL SIGN IN

No SPIE Account? Create one

PURCHASE THIS CONTENT

SUBSCRIBE TO DIGITAL LIBRARY

50 downloads per 1-year subscription

Members: $195

Non-members: $335 ADD TO CART

25 downloads per 1 - year subscription

Members: $145

Non-members: $250 ADD TO CART

PURCHASE SINGLE ARTICLE

Includes PDF, HTML & Video, when available