The IOSIS space object imaging radar

Abstract

In the past years DLR developed and utilize a very flexible and modular high resolution radar system for various applications. The GigaRad instrument is an experimental system in the X-and Ku-band with a resolution of a few centimeters. The waveform generation and reception in the baseband is performed with an IQ-mod/demodulation principle based on a fully digital analogue to digital and digital to analogue conversion of the baseband signals. The system concept with two transmit and two receive channels allows quasi monostatic, bi-static, or MIMO (multiple input multiple output) implementation. The normal operation waveform is a frequency modulated pulse, but also any other waveforms like noise ore orthogonal coded waveforms are possible. With the highly coherent system architecture and the degree of automation the applications of the instruments varies from turn-table RCS generation, UAV detection to Imaging of Satellites in Space in the IoSiS project. In this paper the principle system concept, the calibration procedure and applications of the instruments are outlined.