Innovative Space-based Radar Antenna Technology explained

ISAT
Mission Type:Technology demonstration
Operator:AFRL, DARPA, STP
Spacecraft:ISAT
Manufacturer:Boeing, Lockheed Martin
Dimensions:Antena:
Launch Date:25 June 2019
Launch Rocket:Falcon Heavy[1]
Launch Site:KSC LC-39A
Launch Contractor:SpaceX
Orbit Reference:Geocentric
Orbit Regime:Low Earth
Apsis:gee

ISAT (Innovative Space-based radar Antenna Technology) is a spacecraft developed by the U.S. Air Force Research Laboratory's Space Vehicles Directorate to test technology for intelligence, surveillance, and reconnaissance spacecraft.[2]

The ISAT program is developing technologies that enable the deployment of extremely large electronically scanning antennas in space, and the metrology and calibration technologies necessary for coherent beamforming from such large antennas. These huge antennas enable the revolutionary performance required to conduct tactical sensing from space, including missions like continuous reliable tracking of surface targets.[3]

Notes and References

  1. http://wallst-news.com/first-commercial-mission-spacex-falcon-heavy-rocket-set-june/ First Commercial Mission of SpaceX Falcon Heavy Rocket Set for June
  2. Overview of the Innovative Space-Based Radar Antenna Technology Program . Journal of Spacecraft and Rockets. 48. 1. Steven A. Lane. Thomas W. Murphey. Michael Zatman. 23 May 2012 . 135–145 . AFRL . 10.2514/1.50252 . 11 March 2023.
  3. Web site: Innovated Space-Based Radar Antenna Technology (ISAT) . https://web.archive.org/web/20070220161746/http://www.darpa.mil/STO/space/isat.html . dead . 2007-02-20 .