Targets for RADAR Calibration and Test of Advanced Discrimination Technologies and Concepts

We are proposing to support the development of a daily, on-orbit, calibration test opportunity for BMDS assets. Our proposed system would include a conical vehicle, about 2 m long, and a spherical vehicle about 1 m in diameter. Phase 1 concentrates on the radar signature of such targets, and develops methods to tailor these signatures so that, in the future, IR and/or visible signatures could be controlled independently. Our partner, UCI, will concentrate on the development of simple radar signatures tools that are applicable to these geometries, and will support additional analysis and perform anechoic chamber testing in Phase 2. To drive down the cost of such targets, we are exploring deployable devices, primarily using inflation. Methods of inflating and then rigidizing the devices will be designed so that they can remain operational in orbit for months.