Verification of the Sentinel-1A SAR Instrument Calibration using active and passive Point Targets

TL;DRAbstract

In the frame of the GMES program of European Space Agency (ESA), the Sentinel-1A satellite was launched in April 2014 to ensure the continuity of SAR data acquisitions in C-band for global earth monitoring. The calibration of the SAR instrument was performed by ESA and their partners during the commissioning phase.
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\nIn order to execute an independent verification of the instrument calibration on behalf of ESA the complete calibration chain was developed and established by German Aerospace Center (DLR), starting with a calibration concept, the calibration algorithms, a detailed in-orbit calibration plan, the software tools for analyzing and evaluating all the measurements up to the calibration targets serving as accurate reference.
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\nFor this purpose passive and active point targets (three corner reflectors and three transponders) are permanently installed in Southern Germany covering an east-west range of about 80 kilometers. Each target is remotely manageable to

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