Radar and multispectral sensors in Earth observations and planetary exploration

Overview on planetary and Earth observation missions. Basics of passive remote sensing: EM spectrum; elements of radiation theory; radiation properties of Earth, Sun and celestial bodies; transmittance and diffusion in the atmosphere. Spectral signature. Spectral regions used in passive and active remote sensing. Taxonomy of instruments. Multispectral scanners: principles; scanning modes; geometrical, spectral and radiometric resolutions; A/D conversion and digital multispectral images. Hyperspectral scanners: principles; spectral resolution. Basics of radar theory: principles; radar equation; radar cross section and backscattering coefficient. Radar for imaging: ambiguity; acquisition geometry; side-looking radar; geometric distortions. Geometric resolution: slant-range, ground range and azimuth resolution. Image construction and speckle. Overview of satellite missions with multispectral, hyperspectral and radar systems for Earth observation. Ground penetrating radar (GPR) and radar sounders: definitions and basic principles. Acquisition process. Propagation in dielectric media and attenuation. Reflection, transmission and velocity of propagation in the media. Clutter. Geometrical resolutions and penetration. Examples of real systems: MARSIS (Mars Express), SHARAD (MRO), RIME (JUICE) and SRS (EnVision).

A minimum of 75% attendance is required.

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Presentation on in-depth course content

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