Analysis of the Eglin Radar Debris Fence

Abstract

The Eglin FPS-85 space surveillance radar is a bi-static phased array radar system located in Northern Florida. In 1994, when a new radar control computer was installed at Eglin, the software for the debris fence was not budgeted. The radar only maintained the capability to erect low elevation angle surveillance fences. The software was upgraded in 1999 to create the debris fence, which extends from 155 to 205 degrees in azimuth and is scanned at 35-degrees elevation. This higher elevation angle enables the detection of smaller-sized debris objects at manned space flight orbits. In this configuration, the radar system has a 0.99 probability of detection for all objects that have a radar cross-section greater than -35 dBsm. The new debris fence is intended to enhance the AFSPC's and NASA's ability to detect small debris objects, which are not currently part of the SSN satellite catalog. This paper presents data collected during software version 99-1 development testing.

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Document Details

Document Type
Technical Report
Publication Date
Apr 01, 2001
Accession Number
ADA400901

Entities

People

  • Alan D. Skillicorn
  • Paul C. Spikes
  • Thomas J. Settecerri

Organizations

  • MITRE Corporation

Tags

Communities of Interest

  • Sensors
  • Space

DTIC Thesaurus Topics

  • Acquisition
  • Artificial Satellites
  • Detection
  • Elevation
  • False Alarms
  • Low Elevation
  • Measurement
  • Orbital Elements
  • Phased Array Radar
  • Polarization
  • Radar
  • Radar Cross Sections
  • Space Debris
  • Space Flight
  • Space Objects
  • Space Surveillance
  • Surveillance

Readers

  • Aerospace Engineering.
  • Computer Vision.
  • Radar Systems Engineering.

Technology Areas

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