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.
Smallsat surveillance constellation using MIMO radar
2021-03-30
Patent
Electronic Resource
English