Passive Radar Using LEO Communication Satellite Signals: An Overview and Prospect

Compared to ground-based external radiation source radar, satellite signal-based external radiation source radar (i.e., satellite signal external radiation source radar) offers advantages such as global, all-time, and all-weather coverage, which can compensate for the limitations of ground-based ext...

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Bibliographic Details
Main Authors: Hongwei FU, Zhang ZHANG, Yu LUO, Zhichao ZHOU, Zhanye CHEN, Xin JIAN, Hao CHA
Format: Article
Language:English
Published: China Science Publishing & Media Ltd. (CSPM) 2025-08-01
Series:Leida xuebao
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Online Access:https://radars.ac.cn/cn/article/doi/10.12000/JR24219
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Summary:Compared to ground-based external radiation source radar, satellite signal-based external radiation source radar (i.e., satellite signal external radiation source radar) offers advantages such as global, all-time, and all-weather coverage, which can compensate for the limitations of ground-based external radiation source radar in terms of maritime coverage. In contrast to medium and high-altitude satellite signals, Low-Earth Orbit (LEO) communication satellite signals have advantages such as strong reception power and a large number of satellites, which can provide substantial detection range and accuracy for passive detection of maritime targets. In response to future development needs, this paper provides a detailed discussion of the research status and application prospects of satellite signal external radiation source radar, and presents a feasibility analysis for constructing a low-earth orbit communication satellite signal external radiation source radar system using Iridium and Starlink, two types of LEO communication satellite systems, which integrates high and low frequencies with both wide and narrow bandwidths. Based on this, the paper summarizes the technical challenges and potential solutions in the development of low-earth orbit communication satellite signal external radiation source radar systems. The aforementioned research can serve as an important reference for wide-area external radiation source radar detection.
ISSN:2095-283X