Bae Systems Information and Electronic Systems Integration Inc.

Bae Systems Information and Electronics Systems Integration Inc.

Kevin R Maschhoff

Gerard M Perron

Martin F Ryba

John J Polizotti

The system and method represents a high-resolution, three-dimensional, multi-static precipitation RADAR approach that employs agile microsatellites, in formation and remotely coupled. This system and method uses multi-static RADAR interferometric methods implemented via a microsatellite formation to synthesize an effectively large (e.g., 15 m when using the Ku RF band) aperture to provide about 1 km horizontal resolution and about 125 m vertical resolution.

Synthetic aperture interferometry implementation method

The system and method represents a high-resolution, three-dimensional, multi-static precipitation RADAR approach that employs agile microsatellites, in formation and remotely coupled, via a new high-precision, ultra-low power, remote timing synchronization technology. This system and method uses multi-static RADAR interferometric methods implemented via a microsatellite formation to synthesize an effectively large (e.g., 15 m) aperture to provide about 1 km horizontal resolution and about 125 m vertical resolution in the Ku-band.

Satellite tomography of rain and motion via synthetic aperture

A mid-wave infrared system provides high spatial and temporal resolution measurements of atmospheric temperatures and moisture fields using a constellation of low earth orbit satellites. The disclosed system is smaller, lighter, less complex, and requires less energy than existing systems, due to implementation of an infrared avalanche photodiode array detector that provides enhanced sensitivity with reduced cooling requirements, and an Offner spectrometer having a novel a refractive element inserted near the grating that reduces the size and power requirements of the spectrometer. Embodiments of the disclosed method include deploying a constellation of devices for cooperative infrared sensing of atmospheric phenomena at similar rates, lower cost, and much higher resolution compared to geosynchronous approaches. Some embodiments further include combined analysis of measurements obtained by the disclosed devices with complementary measurements made by other low-earth and high-earth orbital and/or ground-based devices.

Hyperspectral infrared sounders deployable as a constellation for low orbit MWIR atmospheric measurements

A method of weather observations by a constellation comprises at least a first cluster of three micro-satellites each orbiting around earth, and each micro-satellites comprises a spectrometer. Orbiting the three micro-satellites of the first duster around the earth in three separate orbits offset with respect to one another. Staggering the three micro-satellites with respect to one another as they orbit. Selecting the offset and the staggering, of each of the three micro-satellites with respect to one another, so that each one of the three micro-satellites have a substantially identical viewing area as each one of the three micro-satellites orbits around the earth. Sequentially collecting observations, from each of the three micro-satellites, as the micro-satellites orbit around the earth and observe substantially identical viewing areas, to separately gather atmospheric measurements and provide critical data for weather forecasting by infrared temperature and humidity soundings and motion vector winds of the earth.

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Wakefield, MA, United States of America

Kevin R Maschhoff