Small Satellite Dispersed SAR - an Exemplary Configuration

Inhalt:
The paper reports about a basic analysis of a distributed SAR system realized by several small satellites. The potential for Pulse Repetition Frequency (PRF) reduction and the corresponding swath width extension is discussed. It is derived how to maintain a gap-free phase center (PC) sequence while increasing the inter-satellite distance. The paper presents different kinds of configurations. The one that solves the problem combines alternating transmit (tx) and dispersed receive (rx) satellites. An example configuration suitable for ship monitoring is established. It serves to illustrate the problem statement and its solving.