Weight and cost estimation for spaceborne radar systems

A simplified method is presented for making preliminary weight and cost estimates of spaceborne radar satellites and constellations for the detection of airborne moving targets. The power-aperture product requirement of a single spaceborne radar for a given area coverage rate and target size is written as a function of satellite altitude. Using this, the satellite weight and cost are estimated. The number of satellites required for continuous Earth coverage (satellite constellation) is determined as a function of satellite altitude. Combining the number of satellites in the constellation, and their weights and costs results in equations for weight and cost estimation.