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Completed TRL 2 (started at 1, targeting 2)
A large virtual RF aperture is established via a rotating tether affording capability leaps in space-based imaging 1-D sparse real array on a rigid tether and a tethered rotating antenna element continuously create a very large 2-D virtual array. Ultimate array size is limited only by feasibility constraints on length of rigid tether. Potential mission applications include: Persistent (GEO-based) RF earth imaging (for soil moisture, ocean salinity, surface temp., sea surface wind, etc.) Mapping coronal mass ejections (CMEs) from a solar polar orbit Any RF remote sensing applications requiring an extra-large aperture Major tasks Concept Validation and Performance Modelling Alternative Approaches Evaluation Mission Analysis for Technology Application
This project hopes to enable capability leaps in space-based imaging.
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