RADARSAT-2 SAR modes development and utilization

RADARSAT-2 is required to generate a much wider range of data products than any other preceding civilian satellite Synthetic Aperture Radar (SAR). The RADARSAT-2 mission will support the so-called heritage beams of RADARSAT-1: single-polarization standard, fine resolution, wide swath, ScanSAR, and extended coverage beams. However, the new mission requirements additionally include Quad-Polarization, Multilook Fine and Ultrafine resolution modes, and selectable single- and dual-polarization options for the heritage beams. The radar is also required to operate in experimental modes to provide data for detection of moving objects. To support this mission, a technologically advanced instrument has been designed, with a number of extra degrees of freedom in its operation. This paper describes some key features in the design of the instrument and explains how they will be utilized in generating the new types of data.