Target Detection Using GPS Signals of Opportunity

Abstract

Global Navigation Satellite System-Reflectometry (GNSS-R) uses signals of opportunity from navigation constellations (e.g. GPS and Galileo), reflected off the surface of the ocean, to retrieve geophysical parameters such as ocean surface wind speed, sea state, and sea surface height. We investigate the capability of GPS signals of opportunity to detect and localize targets on the sea surface. The proposed approach to target detection is new, and stems from the advantages offered by GPSReflectometry (GPS-R) in terms of spatial and temporal sampling, and low cost/low power technology, extending the range of applications of GPS-R beyond remote sensing. Here the exploitation of GPS signals backscattered from a target is proposed, to enhance the target return with respect to the sea clutter. The proposed study aims at producing an initial proof-of-concept for the use of GPS-R to detect targets on the sea surface, by exploiting the advantages evident in the backscatter configuration of GPS-R for this application.

Document Details

Document Type
DoD Grant Award
Publication Date
Sep 26, 2018
Source ID
N000141613157

Entities

People

  • Peter Willett

Organizations

  • Office of Naval Research
  • United States Navy
  • University of Connecticut

Tags

Fields of Study

  • Environmental science

Readers

  • Energy Conservation and Renewable Energy Engineering.
  • Ocean-Atmosphere Mesoscale Modeling, Data Assimilation, and Flux Boundary Layers
  • Radar Systems Engineering.

Technology Areas

  • Space
  • Space - Space Objects