The orientation method of terrestrial corner reflectors for the satellite radar observation

Preparation of the site for satellite synthetic aperture radar (SAR) monitoring commences with installation and precise orientation of ground-based corner reflectors directed towards the satellite. The accuracy of this initial phase critically determines reliability and efficiency of SAR-based monitoring. This study presents the detailed step-by-step algorithm for deployment of corner reflectors in the field. The procedure encompasses planning of the reflector placement, calculation of orientation parameters, methodology for physical installation, and subsequent verification of the deployment effectiveness. The input data required for calculations were obtained from the Heavens Above online platform, which provides open-access to the satellite ephemerides. The assessment of the radar-signal-backscatter-intensity at the reflector deployment at sites was performed using the Copernicus Browser – an online platform for visualization and analysis of satellite imagery. The developed methodological recommendations and deployment algorithms constitute a foundation for development of regulatory documents and standards governing installation of corner reflectors for the satellite SAR monitoring.