Abstract:

The search method by phased array radar is researched. In regard to the conflict between the probability of intercepting low earth orbit debris and search range, a search method socalled match search based on active characteristic of space debris is proposed. Based on the difference of search data rate request by space debris in different orbit height, the main transmit beam width is used adequately, and the search fence is seen as two fences of a “slow search far range” fence and a “fast search near range” fence, which are used to search high and low earth orbit debris, separately. On this basis, data rate match searches of debris in different orbit height are realized by optimizing orbit heights partition and beam arrangement. Finally, detection capabilities of match search and common search are simulated and compared, using orbit elements and radar cross section of actual space debris. It is shown that the detection capability of low earth orbit debris by match search is far better than that of common search. The research is a significance contributed to the research on search strategy and resource management method of space surveillance phased array radar.