Performance analysis of a space-based GMTI radar system using separated spacecraft interferometry

Abstract

The development of a model to assess the radar performance capabilities of a sparse aperture space-based GMTI radar system is presented. Airborne radars have provided reliable detection of moving targets for many years. Recent technological advancements have allowed the deployment of radar systems in space to improve global coverage. Additional radar performance benefits from space-based platforms are made possible with clusters of collaborative microsatellites. Using quantitative capability metrics, specifically the probability of detection and the minimum detectable velocity, the performance of the radar system can be modeled to enable effective and unbiased comparison of candidate system architectures. A design study based on the space-based GMTI radar reference mission for the Air Force's TechSat 21 program was conducted to identify viable system design configurations that satisfy specific radar performance requirements. A comprehensive analysis of the cost, reliability, and performance considerations for the complete TechSat 21 system is proposed.