The course "Satellite Microwave Remote Sensing - From the basic techniques to the state-of-the-art instrumentation and end-to-end system design", is organised by the European Space Agency (ESA) in collaboration with the Association of Retired ESA Staff (ARES) in the week of 22 - 26 May 2023 at ESA/ESTEC (Noordwijk, The Netherlands).

Satellite microwave (MW) remote sensing uses the electromagnetic spectrum, from the medium radio-frequency to the sub-millimeter-wavelength region. MW sensors on board low-Earth-orbiting meteorological satellites deliver crucial data for numerical weather prediction applications. Europe’s Copernicus/Sentinel satellites provide operational ocean, land and air quality information services to a multitude of institutional and commercial users. Earth science missions address specific questions associated with bio- and geo-physical Earth systems for better understanding of the underlying mechanisms leading to climate change.

All details about the course, including all registration and payment information, are available via the ESA conference bureau course website: https://atpi.eventsair.com/2023-smrs-course/.

This practice-oriented course aims at introducing the participants to the design of various MW instruments used for satellite-based Earth observations. It also covers the design, development and operation of a complete satellite system allowing participants to gain an understanding of the overall end-to-end process and strong inter-dependencies between the payload and the system, all driven by corresponding mission objectives.

Course Fees

Academia, unemployed and other non-profit institutions: EUR 500.00*

Industry: EUR 1,050.00*

*Above mentioned rates are exclusive of VAT (21%)    

The above fees include course sessions and materials, coffee breaks, welcome reception and dinner on the first evening. A large lunch facility is available at ESTEC at participants' own cost.

(The online registration and payment facility will be opened by 13 March 2023)

1. Introduction to Satellite Remote Sensing

2. From Observation Requirements to System Requirements

3. Satellite Observation System Fundamentals in Earth Observation (EO)

4. Electromagnetic Wave Emission/Radiation, Propagation, Scattering and Antennas (review)

5. Frequency Allocations and Radio Regulations

6. Radar Remote Sensing Techniques:

    6.1. Principle of radars

    6.2. Imaging radars (real-aperture/scatterometer and synthetic aperture)

    6.3. Radar altimeters (real-aperture and synthetic aperture)

    6.4. Weather/atmospheric radars

    6.5. Other radar systems (TBC)

    6.6. Radar technology and future perspectives

    6.7. Radar performance analysis and design flow examples

7. Passive Radiometry/Microwave Radiometers:

    7.1. Introduction to microwave radiometry

    7.2. Introduction to microwave radiometers

    7.3. Real-aperture radiometers (imaging and sounding)

    7.4. Synthetic-aperture radiometers

    7.5. Microwave radiometer technology and future perspectives

8. Radio-Frequency Interference (RFI) Detection and Mitigation

9. Space Segment/Satellite Design (high level overview)

10. Ground Segment and Operations Concepts (high level overview)

11. Assembly, Integration and On-Ground Verification (high level overview)

12. Launch and In-Orbit Verification (high level overview)

Lectures will be complemented with introductory as well as illustrative video presentations. On the 1st day, a tour of ESTEC and of microwave laboratories will be held. On the 5th day, the participants will be introduced to the satellite and equipment test facilities in connection to Lecture 11 (Assembly, Integration and On-Ground Verification).

Please visit the ESA Conference Bureau registration page for all information.