An adaptive algorithm for enhanced target detection for bistatic space-based radar

The use of space-based bistatic radar has many attractive features (particularly related to covert observation and survivability) over that of conventional monostatic systems. However (if detection performance is to approach the monostatic case) these advantages come at the price of inherently more complex hardware and processing algorithms. In particular, when considering a bistatic system that utilizes a space-based transmitter/ground-based receiver architecture, obtaining detection ranges of practical value is problematic without having unrealistic requirements for space-based transmitter ERP or ground-based receiver antenna size. A predetection signal processing scheme is postulated which adapts to the nature of the bistatic signal, thus allowing for longer coherent integration times and correspondingly larger signal processing gain.