Tethered satellite antenna arrays for passive radar systems

The possibility of using long (multi-kilometer) tethers in orbit, particularly for passive radar surveillance, is examined. Such devices could use the echo derived from common UHF and VHF sources (primarily commercial radio and television stations) for target range and Doppler estimation. Such systems could provide high gain (50-60 dB) and high spatial resolution at low frequencies. Configurations, stability, and other problems associated with satellite tethers are discussed.<
>