ABSTRACT
Synthetic Aperture Radar (SAR) is a radar system that capitalizes on the Doppler effect to generate high-resolution images of the Earth’s surface. The spaceborne SAR systems have proven to be an invaluable tool for observing the Earth; notwithstanding, the current spaceborne SAR systems confront the inherent trade-off between spatial resolution and coverage. The Moon-Based SAR (MBSAR) has emerged as a fascinating prospect due to recent heightened attention toward lunar exploration. The MBSAR provides an exclusive opportunity to surmount the intrinsic constraint of coverage versus spatial resolution evident in spaceborne SAR systems. Additionally, the MBSAR can offer a high temporal resolution, rendering it well-suited for Earth observations. This chapter begins with furnishing overviews of SAR basics and current SAR missions. Expanding upon this groundwork, we delve into the constraints posed by spaceborne SAR and explore potential solutions. One such solution is the MBSAR. In this regard, we explicate the underlying rationale and merits of MBSAR and its attendant challenges. As technology continues to evolve, the potential of MBSAR shall become increasingly manifest, proving to be a valuable addition to extant spaceborne SAR systems and enabling novel scientific discoveries and applications.
