Monte Carlo Determination of Feasible Motion Parameters for Leo Objects in Bistatic Passive Radar Scenario

Detecting objects in low-Earth orbit (LEO) using passive bistatic radars presents significant challenges due to their large distances from the transmitter (illuminator of opportunity) and receiver, as well as their very high and rapidly changing bistatic velocities. The extreme speeds of LEO objects cause the so-called range-velocity cell migration, affecting distance and velocity measurements. To enable detection, motion compensation techniques must be applied. When even approximate orbital parameters are unknown, a multi-hypothesis approach is required, considering various motion models with different bistatic distances, velocities, and accelerations. Given the vast number of possible parameter sets, efficient methods are needed to determine feasible motion parameters within the observed sector of space. This paper presents an initial investigation into a Monte Carlobased approach for estimating the ranges of these motion parameters, incorporating the position and characteristics of the illuminator of opportunity and receiver, as well as data from the observed sector. The proposed method may significantly reduce the computational burden of space search algorithms. Sample results are compared with parameters of selected satellites derived from publicly available Two-Line Element (TLE) data.