Robust and Reliable Exploitation for Ground Moving Target Detection, Geolocation and Tracking Using Synthetic Aperture Radar

ABSTRACT:The objective of this effort is to establish SAR-GMTI analytical principles that incorporate various sensor and moving target parameters to establish a better understanding of capabilities and limitations of SAR moving target detection, geolocation, and tracking algorithms. We are mainly concerned with two major SAR-GMTI modalities: i) along-track monopulse (or Displaced Phase Center Array, DPCA) SAR for endo-clutter GMTI; and ii) high-PRF azimuth-scanning (Doppler Beam-Sharpened, DBS) SAR for exo-clutter GMTI. We will also investigate the simultaneous operation of the two SAR-GMTI systems on a given platform via exploiting multiple orthogonal radar signaling (MIMO). In Phase I of our investigation, we will develop a multi-dimensional signal theory foundation to accurately model the radar-moving target interaction and the resultant measured SAR data. We then exploit these models to develop simulation algorithms and data for the above-mentioned SAR-GMTI systems for testing in moving target detection, geolocation and tracking methods.BENEFIT:The anticipated result from the successful completion of this project will be a set of basic principles and algorithms that would help the Air Force to determine practical limitations as well as strengths of the major modes of SAR-GMTI platform to infer moving target information on the ground from an airborne or spaceborne radar platform.