HF SAR image cross-correlation technique for high accuracy orbit positioning

A novel technique to determine the position of spacecraft orbits is proposed. The technique is based on the cross-correlation function of HF SAR images and is able to determine the relative position of orbits with an accuracy of - λ/4 or better, where 2 is the wavelength of the HF radar pulse at its center frequency. The performance of the proposed technique was confirmed by simulation which was carried out under the condition of design facts of the SELENE LRS mission. The highly accurate orbit positioning enables precise superposition of HF SAR images so that the inherent mirror image ambiguity problem of HF SAR imaging is resolved to obtain a quality SAR image of the HF band. In addition ambitious 2D-SAR processing would be possible when the above accuracy is available.