Microsatellite-based Space Targets for Calibration and Test of Advanced Radar and STSS Technologies

The use of micro-satellites to provide target complexes for BMD investigations can reduce program costs; targets would no longer need be launched every time a sensor test is desired However, the exoatmospheric flight of real threats lasts for only 20 minutes or so, while the orbiting targets may have been subjected to months of exoatmospheric flight. The design parameters for the two cases are clearly different. The targets placed in orbit for use over a year or so must be carefully designed to maintain realistic appearances typical of the much shorter-lived real threats.Studies are already under way to define methods of keeping the individual targets realistic, such as the use of simple torque rods for obtaining proper orientation, and using inflatables that then rigidize in orbit. A threat complex, however, consisting of both reentry vehicles (RVs) and balloon decoys, will tend to disperse over time due to the drag of the tenuous atmosphere, solar pressure, and ejection velocities. The purpose of the proposed study is to solve this problem so that not only can valid individual targets be provided, but also that the threat complex will retain appropriate viewing geometries and separation distances typical of a real threat.