About TerraSar-X

The TerraSAR System comprises two radar satellites which operate in different frequencies and thereby optimally complement each other.

The TerraSAR mission has its origin in an industrial initiative to provide market-derived X- and L-band SAR products from a pair of spacecraft operating in tandem in a sun-synchronous orbit. It was proposed by the British National Space Centre (BNSC) and the German Aerospace Centre (DLR) for implementation as an element of ESA´s Earth Watch programme.

TerraSAR-X has become a German national programme jointly funded by DLR and EADS Astrium GmbH. Contracts have been signed, and TerraSAR-X is currently being constructed by Astrium GmbH, while DLR is setting up the core ground system and Infoterra GmbH prepares commercial sales of data and future geo-information products.

TerraSAR-L is subject of a definition study led by EADS Astrium in the UK in the framework of the ESA TerraSAR Consolidation Phase.

From 2006, the new 1 metre resolution radar satellite TerraSAR-X will be delivering Earth observation data for scientific, institutional and commercial users. TerraSAR-X will be the first satellite realized in a Public/Private Partnership in Germany, as EADS Astrium GmbH and the German Aerospace Centre (DLR) share the costs for construction and implementation of the satellite.

Following substantial investments into the development of geo-information products and market development, EADS Astrium´s 100%-subsidiary Infoterra GmbH has now started the marketing of the exclusive commercial exploitation of TerraSAR-X.

TerraSAR-X data can be provided directly from the satellite to Direct Access Customers (DAC) or Direct Access Partners (DAP) worldwide, or can be obtained from Infoterra GmbH via direct ordering or through Channel Partners.