Shuttle Imaging Radar Experiment

Abstract

The shuttle imaging radar (SIR-A) acquired images of a variety of the earth's geologic areas covering about 10 million square kilometers. Structural and geomorphic features such as faults, folds, outcrops, and dunes are clearly visible in both tropical and arid regions. The combination of SIR-A and Seasat images provides additional information about the surface physical properties: topography and roughness. Ocean features were also observed, including large internal waves in the Andaman Sea.

Mapping exposed and buried drainage systems using remote sensing in the Negev Desert, Israel

“…Former studies (McCauely et al, 1982;Elachi, 1982;Schaber et al, 1986Schaber et al, , 1997 have shown the penetration capability of SAR in optimal cases (hyperarid environments) but clear evidence for mapping capabilities of subsurface features has yet to be demonstrated in arid to semiarid environments. The objective of the current study is thus, twofold:…”

Seasat—A 25-year legacy of success

“…Coverage was thus obtained primarily over North America and portions of Western Europe. Based on the results of Seasat for both ocean and land surface mapping, SARs were selected to be flown on the space shuttle, including NASA's Shuttle Imaging Radar-A (SIR-A) in 1981, a single channel L-band HH SAR with optical data recording (Elachi et al, 1982), and SIR-B in 1984 (Cimino et al, 1986), also a single channel L-band HH SAR but with variable incidence angles and digital recording ( Table 7).…”

Radar characteristics of small craters: Implications for Venus

“…In general, block size decreases with distance from the rim; blocks 2 to 3 m across are common in the rim, although fragments as large as 5 to 10 m across are also found. The SIR-A image (Elachi et al, 1982) shows a radar-bright ring surrounding a mottled zone and an offset radar-dark area. The bright ring corresponds to blocky ejecta that produce strong backscattering.…”