Improved Cislunar Object Detection Using Polyphase Filter Bank and Polarimetry from Bistatic Radar

The exploration and monitoring of cislunar space have gained significant interest, raising the need for advanced radar techniques for object detection and characterization. Previously, the Cislunar Space Debris Radar (CSDR) was demonstrated as a powerful tool for monitoring the presence of objects in the cis-lunar space. This paper introduces innovative signal processing techniques applied to CSDR measurements combining polyphase filter bank (PFB) data processing and polarimetric analysis to enhance object detection in cislunar space. Leveraging the Goldstone Solar System Radar (GSSR) as the transmitter and other Deep Space Station antennas and the Green Bank Telescope (GBT) as the receivers in bistatic radar configuration, the approach demonstrates improved signal processing, reduced noise, and better target discrimination. Results from processing continuous wave (CW) measurements of the Lunar Reconnaissance Orbiter (LRO) and Chandrayaan2 using this approach highlight enhanced accuracy and potential applications in space surveillance, collision avoidance, and cislunar situational awareness. Additionally, results for one asteroid observation are added to showcase the applicability of PFB to binary phased code (BPC) data, not only CW. This study contributes to radar technology advancement in planetary and asteroid science.