Multistatic Radar Demonstration

JPL will develop novel, multi-static radar technology and single-pass tomographic radar processing techniques in direct response to gap-filling activities identified by NASA’s 2021 Surface Topography and Vegetation (STV) Study Report. The development builds on the prior success of Distributed Radar Synchronization System (DRSS) technology developments, including Distributed Aperture Radar Tomographic Sensors (DARTS) and Flexible Configuration Distributed Synthetic Aperture Digital Beamforming Radar (FlexDAR). In support of retention for key multi-static radar technologies, JPL will demonstrate single-pass tomographic radar technology in a relevant environment and assess the radar performance against STV’s vegetation structure and bare-earth topography needs. This will be accomplished through multi-aircraft flights in coordination with NISAR’s overpasses. With this work, new airborne observing system capabilities will be available for future airborne campaigns, and the technology will also be ready to infuse into an STV mission, which leverages existing L-band spaceborne radars by co-flying multiple receivers to form a heterogeneous distributed radar.

Increase scientific understanding of natural phenomena using remote sensing.

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