Research on advanced space surveillance using the IoSiS radar system

Abstract:
IoSiS (Imaging of Satellites in Space) is a DLR study that is focused on very high-resolution imaging of satellites in a low Earth orbit based on an inverse synthetic aperture radar (ISAR). Advanced space surveillance is important because of the continuously increasing number of satellites and threatening objects like space debris. Space debris objects are already present in a large number in low Earth orbit. Currently, with IoSiS the DLR is performing research on future advanced system concepts addressing space situational awareness. The basic purpose of the instrument IoSiS shall be the analysis of satellite structures for detection of possible mechanical damages or irregularities generated for example by space debris. Furthermore, investigations of unknown objects or satellites can be performed. This paper outlines the current state of the IoSiS instrument as well as the crucial processing steps, carried out to form high resolved ISAR images of objects in space. The paper concludes with a high resolution measurement result.