Description of a simulation model of synthetic aperture radar systems. Volume 1: Summary

The development of a digital computer simulation model for a satellite-borne Synthetic Aperture Radar (SAR) system is reported. Requirements of earth remote sensing are outlined, showing how a synthetic aperture radar can satisfy these requirements. The development of a simulation program to study SAR processing operations is discussed, based on a broad type of SAR system. The program design philosophy and the most important program segments are dealt with. A few examples are given of results from the program, and the use of the model by an SAR systems designer is shown. Recommendations are given for future work.