Sparse Array Applications for Small Satellites

The purpose of this project is to provide a technology that enables the use of constellations of satellite based, coherent, RF sparse arrays. Such sparse arrays would have higher resolution than conventional approaches and would provide superior remote sensing capabilities at a fraction of today’s cost. The key enabling mechanisms are 1) the ability to accurately measure the distance between individual satellites, and 2) the ability to distribute a coherent clock among satellites in a given constellation. Time Domain proposes to use the transmission of ultra wideband RF pulses as a means to accomplish both goals. Existing Time Domain platforms can synchronize clocks to within 5ps and can range over hundreds of meters with an accuracy of a few centimeters. This represents the current, unoptimized performance. The goal of Phase I will be to demonstrate that the technology is capable of supporting coherent clock distribution suitable for 10 GHz sparse arrays, and that satellite-to-satellite distance can be measured with an accuracy of less than a centimeter and perhaps less than a millimeter. In addition, a path to a space based experiment using Cube Satellites will be defined. A successful conclusion will lead to a space based feasibility demonstration.