Alternatives for Military Space Radar
Abstract
The U.S. Air Force, National Reconnaissance Office, and National Geospatial-Intelligence Agency are developing a new radar reconnaissance satellite known as Space Radar to produce images of the Earth's surface using synthetic aperture radar (SAR) techniques and to detect moving targets on the ground, among other missions. The first launch of what would eventually be a constellation of Space Radar satellites is now planned for about 2015. Since the late 1970s, various nations have operated SAR imaging satellites for national security or scientific purposes. However, as currently envisioned, Space Radar would be more capable than existing systems or those likely to be launched in the next few years. In particular, the ability' to identify moving targets from space would constitute a major improvement in capability. Fully realizing that and other advances, however, would require designers to meet numerous technical challenges.
Document Details
- Document Type
- Technical Report
- Publication Date
- Jan 01, 2007
- Accession Number
- ADA466170
Entities
Organizations
- Congressional Budget Office