The Performance of Space-Based Radars Orbiting on Elliptical Orbits

Abstract

The performance of Space-Based Radars (SBR) orbiting on elliptical orbits is discussed. Their ability to detect air-breathing targets is analyzed as a function of the antenna look angle, the orbital parameters of the satellite, the number of radio pulses transmitted and the peak power of the radar. The results show that the minimum detectable velocities of the SBR tend to degrade as the satellite aikroaches the apogee of its orbit. Depending on the orbital parameters of the satellite, the advantage of more extended coverage when the satellite is at the apogee of its orbit could be hindered by the poorer performance of the radar.

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Document Details

Document Type
Technical Report
Publication Date
Dec 01, 1988
Accession Number
ADA205951

Entities

People

  • D. Faubert
  • M. P. Kerr

Organizations

  • Defence Research and Development Canada

Tags

Communities of Interest

  • Space

DTIC Thesaurus Topics

  • Abstracts
  • Air Breathing
  • Apogees
  • Artificial Satellites
  • Circular Orbits
  • Detection
  • Doppler Radar
  • Elliptical Orbits
  • Frequency
  • Grazing Angles
  • Orbits
  • Peak Power
  • Radar
  • Radar Antennas
  • Radar Equipment
  • Radial Velocity
  • Space Based

Readers

  • Phased Array Antenna Design.
  • Space Exploration and Orbital Mechanics.

Technology Areas

  • Space
  • Space - Orbital Debris
  • Space - Satellites
  • Space - Space Objects