Design of interferometric and bistatic mission phases of COSMO/SkyMed constellation

Satellite constellations for Earth remote sensing can enable interferometric and bistatic synthetic aperture radar provided that satellites are able to modify their orbit with limited impact on the overall design. Thus, orbital manoeuvres are designed to nullify anomalistic shifts of constellation satellites and to manoeuvre one satellite in the vicinity of another one in order to establish interferometry. Orbital manoeuvres to make satellites relatively drift in cross-track direction are also provided in order to enable bistatic acquisitions. Application to Italian COSMO/SkyMed constellation demonstrates feasibility from the propellant mass point of view: 7-month mission extension is enabled by 90 kg propellant, 5% of bus dry mass. (c) 2007 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.