Multibeam Radar Altimetry: Spaceborne Feasibility and Airborne Experimentation

Abstract

This report summarizes the results of an investigation into the technical feasibility of multibeam altimetry. Three candidate sensor concepts are considered: a real-aperture system with an appropriate 4.5-m antenna for operation at 13.5 GHz or a 1.8-m antenna for operation at 36 GHz; a 13.5 GHz interferometer system; and a 13.5 GHz synthetic aperture system. The overall findings show a preference for the real-aperture system, with a trade-off between the larger antenna required at 13.5 GHz and rain attenuation effects at 36 GHz. Both systems are shown to be capable of providing equal to or less than 5 cm height resolution and an approx. 19 km along-track spatial-wavelength resolution for the beam that is pointed 50 km off-nadir in the cross-track direction. An experimental aircraft program is also discussed. The objective is to provide experimental verification of these theoretical findings. (rrh)

Open PDF

Document Details

Document Type
Technical Report
Publication Date
Oct 19, 1989
Accession Number
ADA215152

Entities

People

  • G. S. Brown
  • L. S. Miller
  • L. W. Choy

Organizations

  • United States Naval Research Laboratory

Tags

Communities of Interest

  • Air Platforms
  • Energy and Power Technologies
  • Sensors
  • Space

DTIC Thesaurus Topics

  • Airborne
  • Artificial Satellites
  • Classification
  • Detection
  • Detectors
  • Frequency
  • Geometry
  • Identification
  • Measurement
  • Military Research
  • Radiation Patterns
  • Remote Sensing
  • Security
  • Shape
  • Space Systems
  • Spacecraft
  • Synthetic Aperture Radar

Fields of Study

  • Physics

Readers

  • Radar Systems Engineering.