Distributed Synthetic Aperture Radar Network for Developing Nations

Abdul Duane Lawal

Space-Advanced Research Team, University of Glasgow

1. Introduction
Need to harness the benefits of for developing nations
Constellation of small SAR network, operating in a
multistatic configuration
The system provides 24 hours near-real-time (NRT) data,
over the Equatorial Region (ER)

3. Results

Table 3. Coverage parameters and analysis M_1_SAR

3.1. Pendulum Formation

Relative configuration stability using parameters on Table 1 yields
results on Figures 5 & 6
2 x master satellites (Tx/Rx) with identical orbital parameters but
180 degrees apart
6 x Slave satellites (Rx-only), with a set of 3 slaves flying in close
formation with one master
Figure 4. Pendulum formation

Coverage Type
Maximum latitude

Latitude bound
+10 degrees

Minimum latitude

-10 degrees

Granularity

1 degree

Number of points

9477

Assigned sensor

M_1_SAR

Duration

24 hours

Accumulated coverage

24.46%

Area satisfied

19047008.19 Km2

Each set of slave satellites has identical orbital parameters (except

inclination and RAAN)

Table 4. Coverage parameters and analysis for both M_1_SAR and

M_2_SAR
Coverage Type
Maximum latitude
Minimum latitude
Granularity
Number of points
Assigned sensors

Latitude bound
+10 degrees
-10 degrees
1 degree
9477
M_1_SAR and M_2_SAR

Duration
Area satisfied
Accumulated coverage
M_1_SAR
Accumulated coverage
M_2_SAR
Accumulated coverage

24 hours
33044559.27 Km2
24.46%
24.1%
37.23%

Figure 9. Close-up view of satellite configuration with M_1 (white) transmitting and other
slave satellites receiving returned echoes (S_1 blue, S_2- yellow and S_3- purple).

5. Conclusions

Figure 1. Polar view of the Distributed SAR Network for the Equatorial
region showing a total of 8 satellites (2 Masters and 6 slaves) in a pendulum
configuration

2. Analysis
CW equations used to represent dynamics
of the system
Effects of perturbations neglected
Flying formations considered are; Helix,
Cartwheel and Pendulum
Pendulum configuration selected as it
provides flexible alongtrack baselines and
stable across track baselines

Figure 5&6. 3-D and 2D graphic representation of pendulum formation showing relative stability using one master and one slave

3.2. Coverage
Approximately 20% coverage of the ER provided by one master satellite in 24 hours
using specified parameters of Table 3.
Both master satellites provide an improve coverage up to 38% per 24 hours as shown on
Table 4
Table 1. Orbital parameters for determining stability of formation between master satellite-1
(M_1) and slave satellite-1 (S_1) using CW equations

Parameters

Master
satellite
7078.14

Orbital parameter
difference
0

0.3747e-17

0.0014e-17

10

0.5

Right Ascension of Ascending

node (degrees)

0.343e-17

4.9999

Argument of Perigee (degrees)

Mean Anomaly (degrees/sec)

Semi-major axis (km)

Eccentricity
Inclination (degrees)

Figure 7. Groundstation location mask with the ER, ensuring continuous downlink access during operations

4. Discussion

All satellites at am altitude of 700km

Master satellites have inclination of 10 degrees
Slave satellites have inclination between 9.5degrees to 8.5 degrees in .5 degrees steps
Suitable for implementation using low cost microsatellite platforms

Literature cited

Configuration useful for several application areas (DEM, GMTI, steroradargrammetry e.t.c)

Krieger, G. and Moreira, A. (2008) Spaceborne Interferometric and Multistatic SAR Systems,
in Bistatic Radar: Emerging Technology (ed M. Cherniakov).
Torres, R., Lokas, S., Moller, H.L., Zink, M. and Simpson, D.M. (2004) The TerraSAR-L
mission and system, in Proceedings of the IEEE International Geoscience and Remote
Sensing Symposium (IGARSS04), Anchorage, Alaska
Massonnet, D. (2001) Capabilities and limitations of the interferometric cartwheel, IEEE
Trans., GRS-39 (3), 50620.
Das, A. and Cobb, R. (1998) TechSat 21 space missions using collaborating constellations
of satellites, in 12th AIAA/USU Conference on Small Satellites, Utah
H. Schaub and J. Lunkins. Analytical Mechanics of Space Systems. AIAA Educations Series,
2003
H. Schaub (2002). Spacecraft Relative Orbit Geometry Description through Orbit Element
Differences. 14th U.S. National Congress of Theoretical and Applied Mechanics
Blacksburg, VA, June 2328

Flexibility of baseline options to suit various application areas

Promotes development, collaboration and growth between member nations

Figure 2: Helix formation

3.3. Groundstation Location

5 x potential groundstation sites within the ER selected as seen on Figure 7
Flexibility of groundstation locations with elevation angle constrains of 6 degrees applied
Communication with spacecraft from well above 3000km is possible
Table 2. List of selected groundstation locations

Selected Location

Latitude

Longitude

Accra

530N

010W

456N

5220W

204N

4522E

Singapore

117N

10351E

Tarawa

119'N

17258'E

Cayenne, French Guiana

Mogadishu

Figure 3. Cartwheel formation

Identifying the need for low-cost all-weather SAR dedicated to developing

nations
Proposes the establishment of a consortium of developing nations within the
equatorial region
Semi-active multi-SAR operation using the pendulum configuration
Pendulum formation never been adopted for a near equatorial LEO orbit
multi-SAR operations
Analysis using the CW equations presents relatively stable for orbit
configuration.
Configuration presents opportunity to obtain data products in various
application areas
Near-real time imaging possible with multiple groundstations
Offers cheap access to space for developing nations
Demonstrates how small satellites can operate as a Big System

Acknowledgments
I thank Dr G. Radice for his continuous assistance, Katie Robinson for the unseen motivation she provides, AGI for assistance
with STK, General Osazuwa for kinds words and to my son Leo, to whom I owe my future.

Figure 8. 3-D representation

of the pendulum configuration
using STK software

For further information

Please contact a.lawal.1@research.gla.ac.uk More information on this and related projects can be
obtained at http://www.facebook.com/groups/382514501795283/