Work

Design and On-Orbit Performance of Ku-Band Phased-Array Synthetic-Aperture Radar Payload System

Year: 2024

Type: article

Abstract: The current emphasis in the advancement of space-based synthetic-aperture radar (SAR) is on lightweight payloads under 100 kg with resolutions surpassing 1 m. This focus is directed toward meeting the launch criteria for multiple satellites on a single rocket and cutting costs. This article discusses the creation and progress of a Ku-band SAR payload for the Taijing-4(03) satellite, launched on 23 January 2024 and accompanied by four other satellites. The SAR payload design was customized to meet the demands of a micro-nano satellite platform, resulting in a lightweight, flat design weighing less than 80 kg, seamlessly integrated with the plate-shaped satellite platform. The article also introduces a beam optimization strategy for the phased array SAR antenna, significantly boosting the SAR system's performance. The SAR payload provides various operating modes like slide-spot, strip, Scan 1, Scan 2, and others, with a maximum achievable resolution exceeding 1 m. Extensive in-orbit testing of the payload produced numerous high-quality SAR images with potential uses in emergency disaster mitigation, safeguarding ecosystems, monitoring forests, managing crops, tracking sea ice, and more.

Source: Sensors

DOI: 10.3390/s24206741

Authors: Wei Yan, Xiaomin Tan, Jiang Wu, Mingze Yuan, Hongxing Dang, Wujun Chang

Institution: Xi'an Institute of Space Radio Technology

Language: English

Topic: Advanced SAR Imaging Techniques

Subfield: Aerospace Engineering

Field: Engineering

Domain: Physical Sciences

SDG: Industry, innovation and infrastructure

Open Access status: gold

Estimated APC paid: $2,955