Passive radar imaging capabilities using space-borne commercial illuminators in surveillance applications

Space-borne commercial Opportunity Illuminators present interesting characteristics (global coverage and availability). An analysis of these illuminators' imaging capabilities has been carried out. Resolution requirements for classification purposes has been considered and the impact of the desired target size and dynamics studied. Small-medium ships, light aircrafts and UAVs have been considered in a maritime surveillance scenario. Geostationary communication satellites and Global Positioning Systems have been analysed, whose central frequency, signal bandwidth and orbits are quite different. Results show the feasibility of both illuminators for the considered application.