Spaceborne Radar Study
Abstract
Three air-defense radar surveillance systems are described, each consisting of active radar satellites capable of operating at earth-synchronous orbit altitude with associated ground control stations. Systems 1 (three satellites) provides a detection fence around the North American continent and does target tracking within the fence. System 2 (three satellites) provides detection fences around the USSR and China. System 3 (seven Satellites) provides worldwide coverage for aircraft detection and tracking. The satellite carries a space-fed phased-array radar and the other necessary sub-systems for attitude control, station-keeping, and solar electrical power. Each ground station is capable of controlling three satellites. The ground station generates the transmitter pulse-burst chirp waveform, processes received signals, detects and tracks aircraft targets, and provides the communication interface with ADC and other users of the radar data. The satellites can be launched on Titan 3-Centaur launch vehicles into earth-synchronous orbit. The phased-array antenna deploys in orbit to a 300-m diameter. It provides 15,700 mi of fence with .999 probability of detection of 1-sq m targets, tracks 50 threat aircraft simultaneously, and requires an average radiated power of 2784 w.
Document Details
- Document Type
- Technical Report
- Publication Date
- Jun 28, 1974
- Accession Number
- ADA024679
Entities
People
- Gerald J. Mcniff
- Jack L. Schultz
- Joseph Greene
- Paul Nosal
- Richard Kaplan
Organizations
- Grumman