Smallsat MIMO Radar Constellation for Angular Resolution
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current satellite-based surveillance systems face high development and launch costs, lack of graceful mission degradation, and insufficient detection sensitivity or resolution due to the use of large and heavy satellites.
Innovation Solution
A constellation of small satellites (smallsats) equipped with MIMO radar technology to form a large virtual antenna aperture, providing fine angular resolution and persistent surveillance with reduced physical RF hardware in orbit.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If large and heavy satellites are used for surveillance, then detection sensitivity and angular resolution are improved, but development and launch costs increase, and mission degradation capability is lost
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides a single large satellite system into multiple small satellite components, each carrying subset elements of the MIMO radar system. This segmentation allows the distributed constellation to achieve the functional equivalent of a large aperture while using smaller, less complex individual satellites that are cheaper to launch and can operate independently if one fails.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent combines multiple small satellites into a unified MIMO radar constellation that functions as a single large virtual aperture system. By merging the radar signals and positional data from multiple small satellites, the system achieves the angular resolution and detection sensitivity of a large satellite while maintaining the advantages of small satellite deployment.
2Measurement precision
If the number of MIMO transmitters and receivers is increased, then virtual aperture size and angular resolution are improved, but the number of satellite elements and system complexity increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent designs each small satellite to be multi-functional, capable of serving as both a transmitter and a receiver within the MIMO constellation. This universality reduces the total number of specialized elements needed, as each satellite can perform multiple roles depending on operational requirements, thereby achieving high angular resolution without proportionally increasing the number of satellite elements.
3Weight of moving object
If individual MIMO elements are made smaller and lighter, then smallsat deployment is enabled, but individual element power and aperture area are reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the radar power and aperture area of multiple small satellites to achieve the aggregate performance equivalent of a single large satellite. While individual small satellites have reduced power and aperture, their coordinated operation as a MIMO constellation produces cumulative effects that meet or exceed the performance requirements of traditional large satellite systems.
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
This configuration achieves cost-effective, high-resolution remote sensing and surveillance with the ability to detect fleeting events, while allowing for graceful degradation and augmentation of the satellite constellation, enhancing detection sensitivity and angular resolution.
Implementation Method 1
employing radio frequencies (RF)
Implementation Method 2
forming a large aperture of 'virtual' antenna elements
Implementation Method 3
radar or other electromagnetic sensors, to be used in association with 'multiple input, multiple output' (MIMO) techniques to provide high resolution remote sensing
Data Source
AI summary
A method and system are presented for the formation of a constellation of small satellites (smallsats) for radar surveillance employing multiple input, multiple output (MIMO) radar operation. Such a constellation can be used for cost-effective fine angular resolution and persistent remote sensing of targets or regions above, below, or upon a planet's surface. Applications include, but are not limited to, surface mapping (including change detection), mapping of meteorological conditions, and monitoring of time-varying events. The method and system pertain to satellite configurations whose costs and aggregate masses are much less than those of traditional space-based radar measurements attempting to attain comparable angular resolution, while also providing intervals of persistent surveillance.