Low Earth Orbit objects tracking and orbit determination from ground-based phased array radar systems

Ground-based phased array radar observations of Low Earth Orbit objects are addressed in this paper. Radar resources and radar data processing techniques are analysed with the aim of assessing the overall accuracy in orbit determination and propagation as a function of radar design trade-off parameters. The presented analysis is based on end-to-end simulation of both radar and orbital data processing components: measurement data and final data products are generated in accordance with current objectives of future European space surveillance sensors in the framework of space situational awareness (SSA).