Enhancing global maritime domain awareness through SAR with multiple apertures

This paper investigates and demonstrates enhancements to Maritime Domain Awareness (MDA) through the use of a multi-aperture space-based SAR. In contrast to a single channel SAR, it shows how modes can be designed to collect data over a wide swath (enabling wide area surveillance) at high resolution (offering improved vessel detectability and potential for classification). This paper also explores how these same data can be processed using different algorithms to enhance ship detection through clutter suppression and outlines how to estimate vessel headings and speeds. Additionally, it shows that in littoral zones, ambiguities from on-shore clutter can be minimized. Demonstrations of the claims are made using data collected by RADARSAT-2 in a dual-aperture configuration.