This thesis investigates the acquisition and processing of Bistatic SAR data using SABRINA-X,
and with TerraSAR-X as the transmitter of opportunity. SABRINA-X is an X-band receiver system
that has been recently designed at the UPC Remote-Sensing Laboratory, while TerraSARX
is a German satellite for SAR-based active remote-sensing.
Prior to the particular case of acquiring TerraSAR-X signals, the hardware aspects of SABRINAX
have been investigated further, and improved as necessary (or suggested for up-gradation in
future). Two successful data acquisitions have been carried out, to obtain bistatic SAR images
of the Barcelona harbor, with the receiver set-up at the close-by Montjuïc hill. Each acquisition
campaign necessitated an accurate prediction of the satellite overpass time and precise
orientation of the antennas to acquire the direct signal from the satellite and the backscattered
signals off the viewed terrain.
The thesis also investigates the characteristics of the acquired signals, which is critical as
regards the subsequent processing for imaging and interferometric applications. The hardware
limitations, combined with ‘off-nominal’ transmissions of the satellite, necessitate improved
range processing of the acquired signals. The thesis expounds the possible range compression
techniques, and suggests ways for improved compression, thereby improving the quality of the
subsequently processed images
