A Bistatic Parasitical Radar (BIPAR)
Abstract
After decades of remote sensing from aircraft and satellites with cameras and other optical sensors, earth observation by imaging radars becomes more and more suitable because of their night and day and all weather operations capability and their information content being complementary to those of optical sensors. The major problem with microwave sensors (radars) is that there are not enough of them presently in operation and therefore not enough data available for effective radar signature research for civil applications. It is shown that airborne bistatic real aperture radar receivers can be operated with spaceborne transmitters of opportunity. Famous candidates for those systems are high power communications or direct TV satellites illuminating the earth surface with a power denisty of more than 10(-12) Watt/sq meter. The high sophisticated status of signal processing technology today allows the realization of receivers correlating the received direct path signal from a communications satellite with its avoidable reflection on the ground. Coherent integration can improve the signal to noise ratio up to values where the radiometric resolution can satisfy users needs. The development of such parasitic radar receivers could even provide a cost effective way to open up new frequency bands for radar signature research. Advantages of these quiet systems for the purpose of classical radar reconnaissance are evident.
- Publication:
-
In its JPRS Report: Science and Technology. USSR: Space. 16th International Congress of the International Society for Photogrammetry and Remote Sensing
- Pub Date:
- January 1989
- Bibcode:
- 1989rstu....1...11H
- Keywords:
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- Earth Observations (From Space);
- Multistatic Radar;
- Radar Imagery;
- Signal Processing;
- Cost Effectiveness;
- Radar Signatures;
- Remote Sensing;
- Signal To Noise Ratios;
- Communications and Radar