ABSTRACT
The exploration of the planetary surfaces from the synthetic aperture radar (SAR) is prominently being used in the characterization of the physical properties of the regolith. The Mini-SAR of Chandrayaan-1 and Mini-RF of the lunar reconnaissance orbiter were the first to operate in S-band in the hybrid polarimetric mode, whereas the dual-frequency synthetic aperture radar (DFSAR) of Chandrayaan-2 mission operating in L-band in the fully polarimetric mode is the first of its kind. This chapter explores the capability of the L- and S-bands to characterize the lunar surface, which includes craters at the south pole and the north pole, and also a lunar rille, which has pyroclastic deposits in its region. This chapter also gives insight into the moon and its importance, as well as its role in future space missions and the Indian space program. It briefly explains crater formation and its types along with various lunar features like lunar rilles and pyroclastic deposits. This chapter also compares the various polarimetric decomposition techniques for characterization of the lunar surface. The results give an interpretation of the regions that can be studied further for the identification of lunar volatiles.
