Long range-Doppler Demonstration of a 95 GHz FMCW Radar

We present the first demonstration of a thermal-noise-limited 95 GHz frequency modulated continuous wave (FMCW) Doppler radar with high (1 Watt) transmit power and long-range Doppler detection capabilities. The 95 GHz radar is part of the GAISR (Gas And Ice Spectrometer/Radar) instrument to probe the dynamics and distribution of cometary jets and plumes in icy bodies in the solar system. Radar measurements were carried out using a variety of targets at different range and velocities, such as freeway cars, clouds, rain and hillsides, to test the range and Doppler capabilities. The compact design (a single 15 cm diameter primary antenna), and high quality data presented in this paper makes this 95 GHz FMCW radar uniquely suitable for future space missions for Planetary and Earth Science applications.