Abstract: A method and system are presented for the formation of a constellation of small satellites (smallsats) for radar surveillance employing multiple input, multiple output (MIMO) radar operation. Such a constellation can be used for cost-effective fine angular resolution and persistent remote sensing of targets or regions above, below, or upon a planet's surface. Applications include, but are not limited to, surface mapping (including change detection), mapping of meteorological conditions, and monitoring of time-varying events. The method and system pertain to satellite configurations whose costs and aggregate masses are much less than those of traditional space-based radar measurements attempting to attain comparable angular resolution, while also providing intervals of persistent surveillance.

Abstract: A method is presented for the formation of a constellation of small satellites (smallsats) for radar surveillance employing multiple input, multiple output (MIMO) radar operation. Such a constellation can be used for cost-effective fine angular resolution and persistent remote sensing of targets or regions on, above, and below a planet's surface. Applications include, but are not limited to, surface mapping (including change detection), mapping of meteorological conditions, and detection of fleeting events. The method pertains to satellite configurations whose costs and aggregate masses are much less than those of conventional space-based radar measurements attempting to attain comparable angular resolution, while providing persistent surveillance.

Abstract: A method and system is disclosed for remote all-weather monitoring of civilian road traffic over large portions of a metropolitan region, using one or more microwave radar systems situated at elevated locations, such as high towers or pilotless aircraft. Pulse-Doppler waveforms provide, for each position of the radar beam, range-velocity maps of traffic over a number of selectable roadway sections, which maps are used to estimate the speed, density, and volume of traffic flow and to identify discontinuities in the flow which may be indicative of accidents or obstructions. In addition, a high-resolution wideband waveform can be included to provide detailed examinations of selected portions of the monitored roadway sections.