Integration Losses and Clutter-Doppler Spread for a Space Based Radar Caused by Ionospheric Scintillation during a Solar Maximum
Abstract
Estimates are obtained of the effect of worst-case, ionospheric scintillation on the combined, coherent-noncoherent, integration process and on the clutter-Doppler spread for a specific waveform and a space based radar in a 1030-km orbit. The experiments are representative of worst-case scintillation conditions. The results of these data, which correspond to a period of solar maximum, are compared to earlier results for a period of severe scintillation but minimal solar activity. The frequency-diverse waveform consists of bursts (coherent pulse trains) of 0.256-s duration at four distinct frequencies per look and six looks per dwell. The space based radar will suffer a combined integration loss not exceeding 2.54 dB, 0.70 dB, and 0.06 dB at VHF, UHF, and L band, respectively, for 95% of the time in worst-case conditions. In addition, the clutter Doppler spread that is induced by ionospheric scintillation is less than 4.90 Hz, 1.58 Hz, and 0.26 Hz at the same frequencies and under the same conditions as for 95% of the time.
Document Details
- Document Type
- Technical Report
- Publication Date
- Jul 31, 1991
- Accession Number
- ADA239534
Entities
People
- Eric L. Mokole
Organizations
- United States Naval Research Laboratory