Expanding Imaging of Satellites in Space (IoSiS): A Feasibility Study on the 3-Dimensional Imaging of Satellites Using Interferometry and Tomography

Abstract

As the need for new and advanced space situational awareness systems increases, new technologies for in situ observations are needed. The experimental IoSiS (Imaging of Satellites in Space) system at the German Aerospace Center (DLR) is already capable of high-resolution imaging tasks using inverse synthetic aperture radar technology. As two-dimensional radar images can be difficult to interpret, full three-dimensional imaging is desired. This paper extends the previously published simulation aspects to real ground-based experiments using a single spatially separated receiver, allowing interferometric measurements. However, as interferometry cannot fully resolve a three-dimensional object, more spatially separated receivers are also considered for the use of ISAR tomography to gain experimental insight into true three-dimensional imaging as IoSiS will eventually move toward a tomographic acquisition mode. The results shown here promise a high-resolution imaging method for the future development of IoSiS. Based on the research presented here, additional receivers can be implemented into IoSiS to establish real-world three-dimensional measurements of space objects.