Phased-Array Radar Layout for Faster Space Object Tracking
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing radars for tracking space objects face technological disadvantages such as large size, high complexity, and high financial costs, as well as limited tracking rates and mechanical steering limitations in steerable dish radars.
Innovation Solution
A radar system comprising a first and second 1D phased array configured with trough reflectors, where the first array sends and receives signals via its reflector, and the second array receives reflections without sending signals, allowing for efficient determination of initial orbits, range data, doppler data, and angle data of space objects.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If 2D phased array radars are used to track space objects, then tracking capability is achieved, but the system suffers from large size, technological complexity, and high financial costs
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the radar system into multiple independent 1D phased array units, each equipped with its own trough reflector. Instead of using a single complex 2D phased array, the system segments the functionality across multiple simpler units that can operate independently or in coordination, thereby reducing the complexity of each individual component while maintaining overall tracking capability.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent combines 1D phased array technology with trough reflectors to create a hybrid system that achieves 2D tracking capability. By merging the signal processing advantages of phased arrays with the directional focusing capability of trough reflectors, the system attains the tracking performance of 2D radars while using simpler 1D array components.
2Device complexity
If steerable dish radars are used to track space objects, then size and cost are reduced, but tracking rates are limited and mechanical steering is required
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces mechanical steering mechanisms with electronic beam steering using phased array technology. Each 1D phased array unit can electronically steer its beam across different angles by adjusting the phase and amplitude of signals across its elements, eliminating the need for mechanical rotation and enabling much faster tracking rates.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces dynamic beam steering capability through electronic control of the phased array elements. The beam direction can be changed rapidly and continuously without mechanical movement, allowing the system to track fast-moving space objects at high rates by dynamically adjusting the beam pointing direction through electronic phase modulation.
3Ease of operation
If steerable dish radars are used, then mechanical steering is implemented, but beaming abilities are limited
Solution Approach 1:
The patent creates multi-functional radar units where each 1D phased array combined with a trough reflector can perform multiple functions: transmitting signals, receiving reflections, steering beams electronically in multiple directions, and tracking objects across a wide field of view. This universal design eliminates the limitations of single-function mechanical dish radars.
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
Enables efficient and cost-effective tracking of space objects with improved tracking rates and reduced mechanical steering, facilitating real-time detection and orbit determination of space objects.
Implementation Method 1
the first 1D phased array sends a set of signals via the first trough reflector and receives a set of reflections based on the set of signals via the first trough reflector
Implementation Method 2
a first trough reflector positioned within the defined area, wherein the first trough reflector is secured to the first frame
Data Source
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AI summary
Technologies for calibrating radars and tracking space objects. Some of such technologies enable a technique for calibrating a radar based on using -A- an elemental antenna (308), which can be embedded on a housing hosting a set of antenna elements, or -B- an antenna (146) mounted to a reflector. Some of such technologies enable a radar site containing a first 1 D phased array (112) and a second 1 D phased array (112), where the first 1 D phased array sends a set of signals and receives a set of reflections based on the set of signals, and the second 1 D phased array receives the set of reflections.