Radar Smallsats with MIMO Beamforming: Some Applications

This paper presents several implementations for space-based remote sensing to exemplify the benefits of deploying small radar satellites using multiple-input multiple-output beamforming. The main benefits include enhanced angular resolution, not practically achievable with traditional space radars, and surveillance persistence, as enabled by configurations in geostationary orbit. Illustrative prospective applications discussed include widearea maritime surveillance from geostationary orbit and low earth orbit meteorological measurements with greatly improved resolution.