Further Developments in Ionospheric Mitigation of Repeat-pass Insar Data

The National Research Council (NRC) conducted a Decadal Survey of Earth Sciences [1] for NASA, and formulated a chronological plan for critical Earth Science missions to be flown over the next decade. The Survey recommended that NASA proceed with a number of missions immediately, one of which was called DESDynI (Deformation, Ecosystem Structure, and Dynamics of Ice), comprising both polarimetric a L-band radar operating as a repeat-pass interferometer and a multiple-beam lidar. These sensors will measure surface deformation for understanding natural hazards and climate and vegetation structure for understanding ecosystem health. NASA has directed the Jet Propulsion Laboratory and Goddard Space Flight Center to conduct formulation trade studies to construct a feasible design that meets these science objectives within the programmatic constraints. These studies are well under way, and key performance and technical issues are being identified and addressed.