The Future
TanDEM-X (TerraSAR-X add-on for Digital Elevation Measurements) is a second, very similar spacecraft launched successfully on June 21, 2010 from Baikonur Cosmodrome in Kazakhstan. Since October 2010, TerraSAR-X and TanDEM-X fly in a close formation at distances of only a few hundred metres and record data synchronously. This unique twin satellite constellation will allow the generation of global digital elevation models (DEMs) of an unprecedented accuracy, coverage and quality – a consistent DEM of the Earth’s land surface is envisaged to be acquired and generated within three years after launch. This DEM is to feature a vertical accuracy of 2m (relative) and 10m (absolute), within a horizontal raster of approximately 12x12 square meters, slightly varying depending on the geographic latitude.
Read more about this topic: Terra SAR-X
Famous quotes related to the future:
“Life is a series of surprises, and would not be worth taking or keeping, if it were not. God delights to isolate us every day, and hide from us the past and the future.”
—Ralph Waldo Emerson (1803–1882)