RISAT: first planned SAR mission of ISRO

SAR Payload of RISAT (Radar Imaging Satellite), the first SAR satellite from ISRO, is currently under development. This payload is based on active antenna technology, and it supports variety of resolution and swath requirements in C-band. Both conventional stripmap and scanSAR modes are supported with dual polarization operation. Additionally a quad polarization stripmap mode is provided for availing additional resource classification. In all these modes resolutions from 3m-50 m can be achieved with swath ranging 30 km -240 km. On experimental basis, a sliding spotlight mode is also available. The payload hardware is organized in such a way that that co and cross polarization images are available for any operating modes. Additionally, a quad polarization mode is also supported. Active array configuration of this payload called for development of many new technologies ranging from MMICS, TR modules, miniaturised power supplies, high speed digitisers, dual polarized printed antenna and distributed control systems. A completely new bus is being designed for aiding the payload operation. The RISAT spacecraft is configured around the payload to minimize the spacecraft weight, suitable for launching by ISRO's PSLV launcher. RISAT will be placed on dawn to dusk sunsynchronous polar orbit to ensure maximum solar power availability. All the basic building blocks have already crossed design stage and have undergone rigorous space qualification program. Presently a complete SAR with one tile has been integrated as design verification model and is under rigorous testing. This development ensured demonstration of end to end hardware, on-board control software and beam control behavior.