Singapore’s first locally developed synthetic aperture radar (SAR) microsatellite is ready to provide all-weather imaging

Singapore’s first high-performance microsatellite (160 kg) with a fully polarimetric Synthetic Aperture Radar (SAR) is now ready to provide all-weather imaging capability. NeuSAR was launched into space on 30 June 2022, and the first image was received eight days later.

Designed and developed by DSO National Laboratories (DSO) along with local space research partners and international industry partners, NeuSAR is supported by Singapore’s national space office, the Office for Space Technology & Industry (OSTIn). It is Singapore’s first commercial SAR satellite and serves as a pathfinder to explore the commercial potential of a small satellite constellation. ST Engineering Geo-Insights is DSO and OSTIn’s industry partner to commercialise NeuSAR’s imaging data.

Unlike electro-optical satellites that are generally restricted to day imaging due to the availability of light, a SAR satellite transmits electromagnetic waves to the Earth’s surface for ‘illumination’, and is capable of producing images in both day and night. NeuSAR is also able to image in difficult environmental conditions such as heavy cloud cover, rainfall and even haze. Two imaging modes are possible – the Strip imaging mode used to cover large areas, and Spot imaging mode for high resolution imagery.

NeuSAR is the world’s first fully polarimetric small satellite SAR and is able to collect full polarimetric images to provide enhanced details in the imaged scene, including the shape of objects within. With polarimetric images, it is possible to differentiate between man-made objects and natural backgrounds, as well as between different terrains and vegetation types.

All the photos shown were captured at night. This demonstrates NeuSAR’s all-weather, day-and-night imaging capabilities.