deal with target array detection for geometric resolution tests and with 
evaluating Faraday rotation, and amplitude and phase scintillation at 
high latitudes. 
A schedule of the validation experiments, given in Table 1, is based on the 
May 17, 1978, launch date of the satellite. Because of delay in the launch, 
this schedule is now being revised. 
CONCLUSIONS 
The SEASAT-A L-band imaging radar is an untested instrument, designed prin- 
cipally to prove that waves on the ocean surface can be imaged. Hence, 
anticipation of the quality of results based on data from this sensor range 
from high to low. Prior experimentation with L-band radars over the oceans 
(Ref. 8, 9) have solved a few problems but also have generated several new 
questions. Consequently, it is premature to either estimate the usefulness 
of this instrument to a chosen application or to make projections about 
hardware changes that may be needed to improve imaging capabilities of 
synthetic aperture radars. The SEASAT-A SAR has its limitations, one 
of the weak links in the present system being the data processor, whose 
capabilities are not on par with the rate of data flow, nor with the geo- 
metric and radarmetric accuracies required by the users. 
ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS 
The authors thank their colleagues on the SEASAT-A SAR Experiment Team for 
their contributions to the definition of the SAR Experiment. 
The SEASAT-A program is administered by the National Aeronautics and Space 
Administration. Responsibilities for the project have been assigned to the 
Jet Propulsion Laboratory, California Institute of Technology. Project 
manager is W. E. Giberson, ocean experiment manager is Dr. J. A. Dunne. 
June 23, 1978