CRISTAL’s dual-frequency radar altimeter

CRISTAL, which stands for Copernicus Polar Ice and Snow Topography Altimeter, will carry the first dual-frequency radar altimeter along with a microwave radiometer that will measure and monitor sea-ice thickness, overlying snow depth and ice-sheet elevation.

Thales Alenia Space in France is responsible for the development of the altimeter, which is called IRIS. The photo shows the altimeter antenna assembly in their cleanroom. It will be delivered to Airbus in Germany in the second half of 2025 to be integrated into the first CRISTAL satellite.

Read full story: CRISTAL prepares to sparkle