IoSiS-NG – Distributed Receivers For Enhanced Radar Imaging In Space Surveillance Applications

Abstract

High-resolution images of space objects are crucial for space surveillance, but current radar systems only can produce two-dimensional (2D) images. In order to create three-dimensional (3D) radar images, measurements in range, azimuth, and elevation direction are needed. Radar interferometry (InSAR) is one technique to gather necessary elevation data. InSAR works by comparing two radar images recorded from different observation angles to extract phase differences across the image plane, enabling the creation of a pseudo 3D map. However, InSAR encounters difficulties when confronted with complex, highly structured and non-continuous targets. In order to address these limitations, SAR tomography, which uses multiple spatially separated receivers, can generate true and detailed 3D images by capturing data from multiple angles. The German Aerospace Center (DLR) is advancing this technology through the IoSiS Next Generation projects, focusing on considerably improving space-based target imaging using distributed receivers.