Passive SAR Satellite System (PASSAT): Ground Trials

Abstract

This paper presents progress made on the investigation of a passive Synthetic Aperture Radar (SAR) using digital terrestrial television broadcasting stations (DVB- T) as illuminators of opportunity, and micro-/nano-satellite receivers on Low Earth Orbit (LEO). The paper presents initial calculations on satellite payload requirements, describes the development of a passive SAR demonstrator to explore potential PASSAT image features, and describes an experimental campaign with a ground-moving vehicle to verify its functionality. The obtained SAR images are presented and discussed.