Array deformation performance impacts on a LEO L-band GMTI SBR

Space based radar (SBR) has been investigated for decades and has once again made an appearance as a viable method for performing the moving target indication (MTI) mission. Large arrays are needed for this application in order to provide adequate energy on target for detection and to minimize the observed ground clutter Doppler spread. Large phased arrays in space are likely to experience mechanical deformation both at the sub-array panel level and across the structure as a whole. The impact of antenna deformations on antenna pattern, peak directive gain, and signal to interference plus noise ratio loss (SINRL), which shows impact on minimum discernable velocity (MDV), is demonstrated. This paper address the deformations when applied to a low earth orbit (LEO) based L-band radar concept of interest to the US Air Force (USAF) and NASA