Session
Constellations
Location
Salt Palace Convention Center, Salt Lake City, UT
Abstract
We proposed a novel concept of quasi-two-dimensional SAR (synthetic aperture radar) satellites, SAR DiskSats, in 2023 at this conference. This year, in 2026, the demonstration missions of SAR DiskSats are authorized by the Japanese government as a Space Strategy Fund’s Mission. This paper describes the concept and the mission scenario of the demonstration mission in 2028 and 2030. The SAR DiskSat features a deployable passive slot array antenna that can be compactly folded within the quasi-two-dimensional satellite body. This configuration allows for flexible solar cell sheets to be installed on the backside of the antenna, as the antennas do not dissipate heat. This satellite configuration is also suitable for stacking within a rocket fairing for the mega-constellation launch of SAR DiskSats into VLEO (very low Earth orbit). The proposed DiskSat's thin edge cross-section reduces aerodynamic drag, enabling the satellite to operate at VLEO, thereby taking advantage of improved short-range SNR. This advantage in RF power enhances ground resolution, wide swath with elevation frequency scan technique. It also makes it possible to have a small SAR DiskSat at VLEO.
Document Type
Event
SAR DiskSat Demonstration Mission for Constellation in vLEO
Salt Palace Convention Center, Salt Lake City, UT
We proposed a novel concept of quasi-two-dimensional SAR (synthetic aperture radar) satellites, SAR DiskSats, in 2023 at this conference. This year, in 2026, the demonstration missions of SAR DiskSats are authorized by the Japanese government as a Space Strategy Fund’s Mission. This paper describes the concept and the mission scenario of the demonstration mission in 2028 and 2030. The SAR DiskSat features a deployable passive slot array antenna that can be compactly folded within the quasi-two-dimensional satellite body. This configuration allows for flexible solar cell sheets to be installed on the backside of the antenna, as the antennas do not dissipate heat. This satellite configuration is also suitable for stacking within a rocket fairing for the mega-constellation launch of SAR DiskSats into VLEO (very low Earth orbit). The proposed DiskSat's thin edge cross-section reduces aerodynamic drag, enabling the satellite to operate at VLEO, thereby taking advantage of improved short-range SNR. This advantage in RF power enhances ground resolution, wide swath with elevation frequency scan technique. It also makes it possible to have a small SAR DiskSat at VLEO.
