High Resolution Bistatic ISAR Imaging of Space Objects

Monostatic ISAR (Inverse Synthetic Aperture Radar) imaging provides high-resolution images of objects based on their relative motion with respect to the radar system. These images can be used for satellite identification and characterization. The addition of a bistatic receiver can complement monostatic imaging by providing a different observation geometry. This paper presents preliminary results of a bistatic trial between the TIRA radar system in Germany and the receiver PRISME located in France. The data collected during the trials was used to generate simultaneous high-resolution monostatic and bistatic ISAR images of several satellites. More specifically, the paper examines the challenges posed by the temporal and frequency desynchronization of the two systems. It then assesses the potential of bistatic imaging for space observation.