Satellite intercept targeting DSP algorithm design and evaluation

A unified processing approach for the detection and localization of satellites or other exoatmospheric targets is presented. Enhanced filtering and centroid determination algorithms were developed based on real-time implementation constraints, mission conditions including accuracy requirements, and signature structure. The signature structure consisted of target returns, high-frequency random noise, low-frequency structured noise, and contamination sources resulting from debris and cosmic events. Detailed signal processing analyses were performed to verify the required subsample accuracy and the sensitivity to hardware and system constraints. The resultant system design was functionally verified in a real-time breadboard processor