Single-Range Image Fusion for Spinning Space Debris Radar Imaging

In this letter, a novel single-range image fusion method for radar imaging of spinning space debris with dimensions smaller than the radar range resolution is proposed. On the assumption that the target consists of isolated isotropic scattering centers, a 2-D image can be obtained using single-range unit cross-range echo data, which have a theoretical resolution of a quarter of a wavelength. The proposed approach is computationally efficient particularly for smaller sized targets, as the total rotational angle is divided into four small sections, allowing for easier processing of each region. Moreover, the proposed method can be used to directly obtain an image in Cartesian coordinates, unlike current algorithms where images are obtained in a polar format, requiring reformatting to the Cartesian grid. The validity of the proposed approach is confirmed using numerical simulations.