This video contains a live-action recording of the STS-99 [SRTM] pre-flight press conference with astronauts, held at NASA/Johnson Space Center, Houston, on 21 January 2000. Crew as follows: Kevin Kregl, Janet Kavandi, Gerhard Thiele, Dom Gorie, Mamoru Mohri, Janice Voss.
On 31 January 2000, the Space Shuttle Endeavour is launched on a mission to complete the most extensive topographic survey of the Earth's surface to date. The Shuttle Radar Topography Mission (SRTM) - on which ESA astronaut Gerhard Thiele is a crew member - will collect radar data, using a technique called SAR interferometry, which provides scientists with a three-dimensional model of 80% of the planet's surface. These will be the first 3D maps of developing countries and large areas of sparsely populated desert and forest. Benefits will include improved forecasting of environmental conditions, increased navigational safety, help with urban planning and road construction.
The SRTM payload is a joint project between NASA, NIMA (National Imag