The RF PRISM Concept for Pushing Forward the Antenna Size Barrier in Space Based Radar

Abstract

RF PRISM is a new space antenna concept where an array is fed through a mesh of points on the antenna back face with RE signals transmitted (or received) by another satellite called illuminator and usually offset by 100 Km on the same orbit. Basically the PRISM deviates, amplifies, and beam forms the signals passing through it and travelling between the illuminator and the earth. Providing that the speed vector and the main earth viewing axis have equal incidence on antenna plane the antenna deformation control or knowledge requirement is relaxed by a factor 10. Moreover there are no longer cables between the antenna panels. RE PRISM therefore enables deployment of very large antenna in space. The illuminator satellite is not constrained by the illumination function (a few Watts and a 1m2 antenna), but just by the central payload function moved away from the satellite bearing the antenna. This can be a micro-satellite.

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Document Details

Document Type
Technical Report
Publication Date
Oct 01, 2000
Accession Number
ADP010836

Entities

People

  • Jean P. Aguttes

Organizations

  • CNES

Tags

Communities of Interest

  • Air Platforms
  • Space
  • Weapons Technologies

DTIC Thesaurus Topics

  • Accuracy
  • Artificial Satellites
  • Attitude Control Systems
  • Bandwidth
  • Compensation
  • Control Systems
  • Deployment
  • Frequency
  • Geometry
  • Measurement
  • P Band
  • Planar Structures
  • Space Based
  • Standards
  • Translations
  • Two Dimensional
  • X Band

Fields of Study

  • Engineering

Readers

  • Radar Systems Engineering.
  • Structural Dynamics.
  • Tactical Satellite Communications Systems Engineering.

Technology Areas

  • Space
  • Space - Satellites
  • Space - Space Objects