Space target surveillance generally uses active radars. To take full advantage of passive radars, the idea of using spaceborne illuminators of opportunity for space target detection is presented in this paper. Analysis of the detectable time and direct wave suppression shows that passive radar using spaceborne illuminators of opportunity can effectively detect a Low-Earth-Orbit (LEO) target. Meanwhile, Ku and L band bi-static radar cross section of passive radars that use spaceborne illuminators of opportunity are presented by simulation, providing the basis of choosing space target forward scatter. Finally the key parameters, mainly system gain, accumulation time and radiation source selection are studied. Results show that system size using satellite TV signals as illuminators of opportunity is relatively small. These encouraging results should stimulate the development of passive radar detection of space targets using spaceborne illuminators of opportunity.
蒋铁珍, 肖文书, 李大圣, 廖同庆. 基于星载机会源的空间目标外辐射源雷达探测技术可行性研究[J]. 雷达学报, 2014, 3(6): 711-719.
Jiang Tie-zhen, Xiao Wen-shu, Li Da-sheng, Liao Tong-qing. Feasibility Study on Passive-radar Detection of Space Targets Using Spaceborne Illuminators of Opportunity. JOURNAL OF RADARS, 2014, 3(6): 711-719.