Decametric measurements of the ISS using an experimental HF line-of-sight radar

A DSTO developed high-frequency line-of-sight radar operating at a wavelength of approximately one decametre has been used to make radar measurements of the International Space Station. The radar is described and ISS detection considered. Measurements from the radar are used to estimate the maximum radar cross section of the ISS and to compute an improved ephemeris for the orbit of the ISS compared to the NORAD published ephemeris used as an initial estimate. The accuracy of the orbit determination and the wider suitability of this sensor design for measuring low-Earth orbiting object trajectories are discussed.