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EO·Atlas / Sensors / SAR-X (RISAT-2 series)
Sensor · Spaceborne

SAR-X (RISAT-2 series)

Missions → RISAT-2BR1 (Operational) , EOS-01 (RISAT-2BR2) (Operational)

X-band synthetic aperture radar instrument flown on RISAT-2, RISAT-2B, RISAT-2BR1 and EOS-01, supporting strategic pointing within a 650 km field of regard and 1 to 8 m resolution depending on acquisition mode.

Sensor

SAR-X is the X-band synthetic aperture radar carried across ISRO's RISAT-2 satellite series, spanning RISAT-2, RISAT-2B, RISAT-2BR1, and EOS-01.[1] The RISAT-2B-series instruments represent an indigenous design developed by ISRO's Space Applications Centre.[2] The instrument operates at a centre frequency of 9.59 GHz with left- and right-side look capability within a 650 km field of regard.[3] Four acquisition modes are available: Super-Stripmap at 1.8 m range resolution and 10 km swath, Stripmap at 3 m range resolution and 10 km swath, Spotlight at 2 m range resolution and 10 km swath, and ScanSAR at 8 m range resolution and 50 km swath.[3] Incidence angles span 20 to 45 degrees.[3] The radar supports quad-polarisation operation across HH, VV, HV, and VH channels.[3] Demonstrated measurement approaches include SAR backscatter intensity mapping and polarimetric decomposition analysis; the instrument is also capable of repeat-pass coherence-based change detection.[3]

Where this fits, supply chain

Compositional position

RISAT-2BR1 ——— this payload
EOS-01 (RISAT-2BR2) ——— this payload
this ——— RISAT-2BR1 (Operational) flies on
this ——— EOS-01 (RISAT-2BR2) (Operational) flies on
Methods this sensor implements
Demonstrated
Capable, undemonstrated
  • InSAR - surface deformation

    RISAT-2 SAR-X is evaluated by WMO for interferometric/topographic variables; kept as capable for RISAT-2BR1 pending mission-specific validation.

  • Polarimetric SAR - target decomposition

    WMO OSCAR lists HH, VV, HV and VH SAR-X modes; kept as capable because the public source does not assert quad-pol target decomposition.

  • SAR coherent change detection (CCD)

    X-band SAR with multi-temporal revisit and high-resolution modes supports coherent change detection; no specific CCD demonstration found in public literature for RISAT-2B series

Topics this relates to
Geology and geohazardsInSAR - surface deformation(capable)well suited
Permafrost and ground iceInSAR - surface deformation(capable)well suited
Pipeline integrityInSAR - surface deformation(capable)well suited
SubsidenceInSAR - surface deformation(capable)well suited
Transport infrastructure monitoringInSAR - surface deformation(capable)well suited
Coastal erosionInSAR - surface deformation(capable)adequate
Groundwater and terrestrial water storageInSAR - surface deformation(capable)adequate
Snow water equivalentInSAR - surface deformation(capable)adequate
FloodingInSAR - surface deformation(capable)marginal
Glacier and ice-sheet massInSAR - surface deformation(capable)marginal
Forest structure and biomassPolarimetric SAR - target decomposition(capable)well suited
Biodiversity and habitatPolarimetric SAR - target decomposition(capable)adequate
Illegal and unregulated fishingPolarimetric SAR - target decomposition(capable)adequate
Sea icePolarimetric SAR - target decomposition(capable)adequate
Soil moisturePolarimetric SAR - target decomposition(capable)adequate
Urban changePolarimetric SAR - target decomposition(capable)adequate
Vessel trackingPolarimetric SAR - target decomposition(capable)adequate
Crop-type mappingPolarimetric SAR - target decomposition(capable)marginal
DeforestationSAR backscatter - change detection(demonstrated)well suited
Disaster damage assessmentSAR backscatter - change detection(demonstrated)well suited
Land cover changeSAR backscatter - change detection(demonstrated)well suited
Oil spillsSAR backscatter - change detection(demonstrated)well suited
Illegal constructionSAR backscatter - change detection(demonstrated)adequate
Inland waterSAR backscatter - change detection(demonstrated)adequate
WildfireSAR backscatter - change detection(demonstrated)adequate
Coastal water qualitySAR backscatter - change detection(demonstrated)marginal
Mineral explorationSAR backscatter - change detection(demonstrated)marginal
Power grid and vegetation encroachmentSAR backscatter - change detection(demonstrated)marginal
Ocean surface windsSAR backscatter imaging(demonstrated)well suited
Sea stateSAR backscatter imaging(demonstrated)well suited
Wind energy sitingSAR backscatter imaging(demonstrated)well suited
Economic activity intelligenceSAR backscatter imaging(demonstrated)adequate
Ocean currentsSAR backscatter imaging(demonstrated)marginal
Sources
Cite https://eo-atlas.org/products/sensor/sar-x Markdown twin → Field definitions →