Improved geometric calibration of the SIR-C data

Errors in the determination of the platform state vector (position and velocity) limit the accuracy with which individual pixels in a SAR (synthetic aperture radar) image can be located. A method of updating the state vector based on the SAR data is described. The algorithm combines reference targets at known locations with the estimates available from the mission control center, utilizing a maximum likelihood estimator. The targets can be located at calibration sites or be easily recognizable targets of opportunity. The accuracy of the update depends on the number of targets, their geometry, and the accuracy of their position determination. The algorithm is tested using Seasat SAR data. High-accuracy state vectors were perturbed by Gaussian distributed errors with standard deviations and cross-correlations based on worst-case expectations for SIR-C (Shuttle Imaging Radar). Tests using ground targets located in topographic maps (1:24,000) showed that state vector position errors on the order of 300-400 m and velocity accuracies of 2-3 m/s are readily achievable.