What is SIR-C/X-SAR?
SIR-C/X-SAR stands for Spaceborne Imaging Radar-C/X-band Synthetic Aperture Radar. SIR-C/X-SAR is an imaging radar system scheduled for launch aboard the NASA Space Shuttle in 1994. It consists of a radar antenna structure and associated radar system hardware that is designed to fit inside the Space Shuttle’s cargo bay. On take-off, the cargo bay doors are closed as seen in the graphic on the next page. After the Space Shuttle has reached a stable Earth orbit, the cargo bay doors will be opened , the antenna structure will be deployed, and SIR-C/X-SAR will be switched on, to begin using its state-of-the-art radar technology to image the earth’s surface. Radar images generated by SIR-C/X-SAR will be used by scientists to help understand some of the processes which affect the earth’s environment, such as deforestation in the Amazon, desertification south of the Sahara, and soil moisture retention in the Mid-West.
