Project Idea
The rapid growth of LEO space debris has become a major challenge for space sustainability. Thousands of objects travel at extremely high orbital velocities, increasing the risk of collisions with satellites. Conventional space surveillance radars require high-power transmitters and costly infrastructure, which serves as a disadvantage. This project investigates an Urban Passive Radar for LEO surveillance (SUPRLEO) that uses existing DVB-T broadcast towers as illuminators of opportunity while using radio telescopes as passive bistatic receivers. Instead of transmitting signals, the system analyzes reflected DVB-T signals from orbital objects to perform passive detection and classification.
01
The Beginning
With the increasing number of satellites and space debris in LEO (Low Earth Orbit), the risk of collisions has become a growing concern for space sustainability. Conventional systems rely on active radar, which requires high-power transmitters and costly infrastructure. This led to the idea of using existing DVB-T broadcast signals as sources of illumination, without transmitting additional signals.
02
The Idea
SUPRLEO proposes an Urban Passive Radar system for monitoring objects in LEO. It uses DVB-T broadcast towers as signal sources and radio telescopes as passive receivers. The system analyzes signals reflected from orbital objects to perform passive detection and classification, providing an alternative approach that makes use of existing infrastructure without requiring high-power transmitters.
03
The Experience
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