StriX-α SAR satellite: demonstration of observation modes and initial calibration results

StriX-alpha is the first synthetic-aperture-radar (SAR) satellite in the upcoming Synspective’s constellation. It was successfully launched in December 2020 and has provided images of Earth since February 2021. As opposed to the optical systems, SAR systems transmit their own signals and hence are immune to the Sun and cloud conditions. This allows for consistent monitoring: day and night, rain or shine. In this paper the on-orbit performance of the StriX-alpha is evaluated. The calibration method and results of the corner reflector observations are discussed, and the examples of imaging modes are presented.