Multi-channel SAR experiments from the space and from ground: Potential evolution of present generation spaceborne SAR

After presenting the multi-channel SAR and the multistatic SAR constellations as the evolutions of present-generation SAR systems, two sets of experiments are proposed to assess their potential applications and validate them, before designing fully operational systems. The experiments from the space are based on the use of the existing SAR together with one or more receiving-only sensors on board of mini-satellites. The experiments from the ground are based again on the exploitation of the existing SAR as the radar illuminator and by the use of one or more ground-base receivers appropriately positioned in high elevation location. The proposed experiments are highly recommended for a fast evaluation of the potential applications achievable by both multichannel and multistatic potential evolutions of the modern SAR.