Adaptive techniques for large space apertures

Two missions which utilize large space apertures were considered on the program. These were the space-based radar mission (SBR) and the space-based millimeter-wave radiometer mission (MWR). The greater part of the effort was spent on the radar mission. The intent of the program was to investigate reflector-based alternates to the space-fed phased array system that is the current baseline for the space-based radar program. The three major tasks on the program were Task 1, Concept Development/Assessment; Task 2, Performance Analysis, Selected Approach; and Task 3, Specific Mission Designs. The adaptive techniques of interest were those that might be required to compensate for surface irregularities in the large, space-deployable reflectors that would be required for these missions. This and other system requirements were considered in selecting an antenna system for each mission.