Multi-channel imaging of space objects

Abstract

The heavily increasing number of satellites within the New Space era necessitates much more efficient and considerably improved space surveillance. Imaging radar systems make significant contributions towards providing updated knowledge of the situation in space. Based on the IoSiS (Imaging of Satellites in Space) system, DLR is researching new concepts for radar-based imaging of space objects. Following the basic intention of IoSiS, the objective has been to build up a multi-channel imaging radar that can facilitate the exploration of novel imaging concepts for highest-performance space target imaging purposes. This paper presents the current experimental findings based on a dual-channel image of the International Space Station (ISS). The investigation of image quality parameters demonstrates the technical capability of an intended forthcoming multi-channel imaging radar system. This system will have the potential to produce highresolution images of spatial targets with completely new functionality.