Efficient Radar Search Modes for Deep Space (DS) Surveillance

This project is to establish and demonstrate an improved capability for conducting deep space searches by developing and deploying new sigal and data processing technology for existing space surveillance radars. The effort identified practical solution bounds for erecting leak proof search volumes for both elliptical and circular deep space orbital regimes including the geosynchronous belt. The resulting solution space was then characterized in terms of applicable radar measurements and a solution approach was proposed for conducting searchesand detecting and tracking unknown space objects within these orbital regimes. The project will validate the enhancements predicted through analysis using high fidelity digital and analog simulation and determine if these techniques can be deployed along with determining the impact on other rdar mission areas. BENEFIT: The US military relies more and more heavily on space assets to accomplish its missions. Likewise with many commercial entities. Many of these assets reside within the deep space regime and are vulnerable to attack and disruption. Protectng these assets requires awareness of the operational situationand the US has a tremendous need for 24/7 deep space surveillance assets. The benefits of this R&D effort are that it will lead to the inexpensive conversion of between six and eight strategic radar to add a deep space surveillance capability and the technology can be applied to additional space surveillance assets currently in the acquisition process. This will result in a far more secure environment for US military and commercial satellites to operate in.