Space based radar system modeling in the Spacecraft Simulation Toolkit

The Spacecraft Simulation Toolkit (SST) provides an architecture for the end-to-end modeling of spacecraft or individual spacecraft components. The various subsystem models, whether provided with the SST or developed by the user, perform algorithmic simulation of various spacecraft functions. System design and simulation databases provide the necessary knowledge base within which the detailed characteristics of the system are. Described and an orderly and efficient means to store the results of a simulation for additional analysis. Representation of the real-world environment which impacts the spacecraft is also provided. One of the applications of a spacecraft sensor payload modeled under the SST is a Space Based Radar (SBR). The key features of this radar model include deterministic, physics based scenes, frequency domain modeling of the radar system, and generic models of the radar elements which allow the user to vary the parameters of the models to tailor the system performance, or to substitute models with specialized performance objectives. The use of modern modeling and simulation methods can add significant value throughout the entire system life cycle. The ability to "fly" before you "build" is near reality with current simulation technology.