A method and system are presented for the formation of a constellation of small satellites (smallsats) for radar surveillance employing multiple input, multiple output (MIMO) radar operation. Such a constellation can be used for cost-effective fine angular resolution and persistent remote sensing of targets or regions above, below, or upon a planet's surface. Applications include, but are not limited to, surface mapping (including change detection), mapping of meteorological conditions, and monitoring of time-varying events. The method and system pertain to satellite configurations whose costs and aggregate masses are much less than those of traditional space-based radar measurements attempting to attain comparable angular resolution, while also providing intervals of persistent surveillance.


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    Title :

    Smallsat surveillance constellation using MIMO radar


    Contributors:

    Publication date :

    2021-03-30


    Type of media :

    Patent


    Type of material :

    Electronic Resource


    Language :

    English


    Classification :

    IPC:    G01S RADIO DIRECTION-FINDING , Funkpeilung / B64G Raumfahrt , COSMONAUTICS





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