TerraSAR-X Performance Confirmed by NGA

In a contribution titled "Geometric Precision in Space Radar Imaging: Results from TerraSAR-X", Thomas P. Ager, NGA System Engineer for Radar, and his co-author Paul Bresnahan of Observera Inc. describe the evaluation processes and parameters applied to 13 high-resolution SpotLight and another 13 StripMap acquisitions. These were collected in single-polarization (VV) mode, generated as Multi-look Ground-range Detected (MGD) products with Spatially-Enhanced (SE) processing, and included the rapid orbit metadata.
Ager confirms that "the results of this evaluation are consistent with the accuracy values listed in the product specification", and even adds that "it is plausible that the TerraSAR-X accuracy is even better".
Orbit errors are as small as 20 centimeters for routine images available within 1 day of collection, and range errors of well under 1 meter are verified: "We believe these claims because our test results show that TerraSAR-X SpotLight imagery has an overall ground accuracy of 1 meter and possibly even less, when projected to known elevations," states Ager.
NGA's CCAP regularly performs geolocation accuracy evaluations for civil and commercial imagery being purchased or considered for purchase by the Agency.
To Infoterra, holder of the exclusive commercial exploitation rights for TerraSAR-X data and provider of numerous services based on this data, "the independent confirmation of the spacecraft's performance by such a renowned institution is of course of immense value," states Joerg Herrmann, Managing Director of the German EADS Astrium subsidiary. "This endorsement will surely support our growing sales activities in the North American market."