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R. D. Lorenz (LPL, University of Arizona), R. M. Lopes (JPL), Cassini RADAR Team
Cassini carries a sophisticated multimode RADAR instrument, operating at Ku-band (13.78 GHz) whose principal purpose is to study Titan. The distance-4 dependence of radar signal-to-noise means that the instrument is most effective during closest approach to Titan : these periods are heavily contested with other, often incompatible, science activities. The RADAR will operate during around half of Cassini's 44 flybys, covering about 20% of the surface with SAR imaging with a resolution of 2km or better. A number of short altimetry tracks will be made, giving regional topographic information. Scatterometry observations cover most of the surface, albeit at much poorer resolution than SAR. Radiometer observations will cover most of Titan's surface with a combination of incidence angles and polarizations. Additionally, some Saturn, satellite and ring observations are planned.
We will present the observing plans and science goals for the various RADAR investigations. Some results from the TA flyby may also be presented.
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Bulletin of the American Astronomical Society, 36 #4
© 2004. The American Astronomical Soceity.