High-Precision Time Synchronization and Communication System Design for Spaceborne Multistatic Radar Systems Using Laser Links

>Spaceborne radar systems are critical for all-weather, all-time target detection, offering long-range, wide coverage, and high positioning accuracy. However, traditional monostatic radar systems face limitations in detecting weak and slow-moving targets due to constraints in antenna size and power-aperture product. To address these challenges, this paper proposes a spaceborne multi-static radar system that leverages laser communication and time synchronization for enhanced detection and tracking capabilities. The system employs multiple satellites in the transmit-receive separation configuration, enabling ultra-long-range detection and continuous tracking of airborne targets. By utilizing laser signals with high carrier frequencies and bandwidth, the system achieves high-precision time synchronization and high-capacity data transmission. Experimental results demonstrate a time synchronization accuracy of better than 4 ns and a communication rate exceeding 5 Gbps (post-encoding) under a short baseline of 10 meters. This integrated approach significantly improves the performance of multi-static radar systems, offering a robust solution for future space-based radar applications.