Efficient Radar Search Modes for Deep Space (DS) Surveillance

The purpose of this SBIR is to establish and demonstrate an improved capability for conducting deep space searches by developing and deploying new signal and data processing technology for existing space surveillance radars. The effort will identify 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 will then be characterized in terms of applicable radar measurements, and a solution approach will be proposed for conducting searches and detecting and tracking unknown space objects within these orbital regimes. The proposed solution approach will also provide flexibility to adapt the search volume for varying altitude bands, object sizes, probabilities of detection (Pd) and be tailored to the existing radar frequencies and be applicable to new surveillance radars that could be developed in different bands to improve detection/tracking accuracy. During Phase I an assessment of coherent integration, batch filtering, and Multiple Hypothesis Tracking (MHT) will be conducted and an explanation how each enhancement can improve deep space surveillance and to what extent (range, size object, probability of detection)will be provided.