TanDEM-X ('TerraSAR-X add-on for Digital Elevation Measurement') is a radar observation satellite, which, together with the almost identical TerraSAR-X radar satellite, will form a high-precision radar interferometer system.
With this TerraSAR-X/TanDEM-X tandem formation, generating images similar to stereoscopic pictures, it will be possible to measure all the Earth’s land surface (150 million square kilometres) within a period of less than three years. For a 12m grid (street width), surface height information can then be determined with an accuracy of under two meters. One goal is the production of a global Digital Elevation Model of unprecedented accuracy.
As for TerraSAR-X, the TanDEM-X project will be carried out under a Public–Private Partnership between Astrium and the German Space Agency DLR. TanDEM-X is due for launch in 2009, and is designed to operate for five years.
Use of the data for scientific applications will be the responsibility of the DLR's Microwaves and Radar Institute. Commercial marketing of the data will be managed by Infoterra GmbH, a wholly-owned subsidiary of Astrium.
