The SAR Payload Design and Performance for the GF-3 Mission

Area of Science:

• Earth Observation
• Remote Sensing Technology
• Radar Systems Engineering

Background:

• The Gaofen-3 (GF-3) mission aims to deploy an advanced C-band multi-polarization Synthetic Aperture Radar (SAR) sensor.
• Developing sophisticated SAR systems is crucial for high-resolution Earth observation and environmental monitoring.

Purpose of the Study:

• To detail the design and performance of the GF-3 C-band multi-polarization SAR sensor.
• To present the antenna modeling, working mode design, and payload specifications for the GF-3 SAR system.

Main Methods:

• Requirement analysis for SAR system design.
• Development of an accurate antenna model for pattern optimization.
• Performance calculations and verification through in-orbit tests.

Main Results:

• The paper presents the design of working modes and the SAR payload for the GF-3 mission.
• An accurate antenna model was developed for pattern optimization and performance calculation.
• Predicted performance metrics were validated by in-orbit testing.

Conclusions:

• The C-band multi-polarization SAR sensor for the Gaofen-3 mission has been successfully designed and implemented.
• The antenna model and design approach ensure optimal performance, validated by in-orbit tests.