Feasibility Study of Air Target Detection by Passive Radar Using Satellite-based Transmitters

This paper investigates the theoretical feasibility of air target detection by passive radars using satellite-based transmitters as illuminators of opportunity. The advantages and drawbacks of exploitation of different satellite-based services by passive radar system are considered. The estimation of achievable ranges of air target detection is performed for the Satellite Digital Video Broadcasting and for Global Navigation Satellite System transmitters with respect to possible geometries and configurations of the passive radar system.