Cotugno, Federica (2025) Design and analysis of innovative orbital configurations for new generation satellite constellations with the focus on advanced SAR and InSAR applications. [Tesi di dottorato]

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Abstract

The rapid evolution of the space sector, marked by the growing deployment of Synthetic Aperture Radar (SAR) satellite constellations and the emergence of new scientific and operational needs, has highlighted the strategic role of interferometric techniques for Earth surface mapping and monitoring. Specifically, the Differential Interferometric SAR (DInSAR) technique is a widely recognized method for retrieving ground displacements with millimeter accuracy in several natural and human-induced hazard scenarios. Nevertheless, the orbital configurations commonly adopted for interferometric applications do not always ensure sufficiently short revisit times or adequate sensitivity to the three-dimensional deformation field. This thesis investigates orbital optimization as a means of enhancing interferometric performance in different scenarios. A first line of analysis focuses on Mid-Inclination Orbits (MIOs), which, compared to Sun-Synchronous Orbits (SSOs), provide more frequent interferometric revisit times over mid-latitude regions and enhance sensitivity to the North-South displacement component. The analysis is framed within the IRIDE program and focuses, in particular, on NIMBUS, the X-band SAR sub-constellation, designed to provide systematic observations over the Italian territory. For experimental purposes, the thesis also relies on a dedicated campaign carried out over the Campi Flegrei Caldera (Italy) using real data from satellites already operating in MIOs, in this case provided by the commercial operator Capella Space. These acquisitions enabled a precursor study of the expected sensitivity to the North-South displacement component, providing early insights in anticipation of the forthcoming NIMBUS SAR data. At the same time, a second line of this thesis explores unconventional orbital scenarios in multistatic and formation flying contexts, such as in the Harmony mission, the 10th Earth Explorer Mission of the European Space Agency (ESA). In this context, helix configurations are examined, with particular attention to their impact on interferometric performance and related operational constraints. Thus, this thesis provides a synoptic view of different orbital configurations and strategies, highlighting their contribution to the evolution of DInSAR capabilities and offering useful insights for the design of future SAR missions.

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