A low-cost space-based radar system concept

Author

Curry, G. Richard

Author_Institution

Sci. Applications Int. Corp., Goleta, CA, USA

Volume

11

Issue

9

fYear

1996

fDate

9/1/1996 12:00:00 AM

Firstpage

21

Lastpage

24

Abstract

A space-based radar system concept is described that can provide continuous world-wide, all-weather, day-night observation and tracking of ships, aircraft, vehicles and ground facilities of interest. The system employs a constellation of radar satellites in low-earth orbit to provide continuous world-wide target access. The radars employ reflector antennas, TWT transmitters and high frequency (e.g., X band) to achieve long range with relatively low weight, complexity and cost. The radars operate in moving-target-detection (MTD) and synthetic-aperture-radar (SAR) spotlight imaging modes to observe moving and fixed targets, respectively. The system could support a wide range of military, intelligence, law-enforcement and civilian missions

Keywords

economics; military systems; reflector antennas; search radar; spaceborne radar; synthetic aperture radar; target tracking; TWT transmitters; X band; aircraft; civilian missions; complexity; cost; day-night observation; ground facilities; intelligence missions; law-enforcement missions; low-earth orbit; military missions; moving-target-detection; radar satellites; reflector antennas; ships; space-based radar; synthetic-aperture-radar; tracking; vehicles; world-wide target access; Airborne radar; Aircraft; Land vehicles; Marine vehicles; Radar antennas; Radar imaging; Radar tracking; Road vehicles; Spaceborne radar; Target tracking;

fLanguage

English

Journal_Title

Aerospace and Electronic Systems Magazine, IEEE

Publisher

ieee

ISSN

0885-8985

Type

jour

DOI

10.1109/62.536800

Filename

536800