On High-Resolution Imaging of Fast-Decorrelating Targets Using A Distributed ‘Swarmsar’ Architecture

The paper presents a novel concept of SwarmSAR for improving the azimuth resolution of fast-decorrelating targets such as ocean surfaces to generate high-resolution SAR images. The SwarmSAR concept consists of multiple simple nodes in a close formation cooperating in a MIMO-like fashion and illuminating a common footprint. Each individual node is basic but self-sufficient, guaranteeing decent target-resolving capabilities, even when operating individually. However, when operating in a MIMO-like fashion, they significantly improve the target resolution and imaging capabilities.In this paper, we promote an S-band SwarmSAR considering a simplified geometry for resolving a fast-decorrelating point target in the azimuth direction. The results demonstrated in this work show the superiority of distributed SwarmSAR architecture over traditional monostatic SAR systems in resolving fast-decorrelating targets, and provide insight into the potential of the concept for future SAR missions.