Passive radar using Starlink transmissions: A theoretical study

SpaceX plans to build two NGSO constellations, named Starlink, to provide high speed internet to end-users. The system will have global coverage 24/7 by means of launching 4425 satellites on circular low orbits. In this paper, the possibility of using these satellite emissions as an illuminating source for bistatic real and synthetic aperture radars, assuming a receiver on or near the earth surface, is investigated. The practicality of these systems are discussed for possible applications.