The TerraSAR-X science objectives are to make multi-mode and high-resolution X-band radar data available for a wide spectrum of scientific applications in such fields as hydrology, geology, climatology, oceanography, environmental monitoring, disaster monitoring and cartography (DEM generation).

The primary TanDEM-X mission objective is the generation of WorldDEM, a consistent global Digital Elevation Model (DEM) with an unprecedented accuracy according to better than DTED Level 2 specifications. WorldDEM resolution will correspond to DTED Level 3 (post spacing of better than 12 metres) and a height accuracy of better than 2 m (relative).