Simulation study demonstrates reference-free target detection using Starlink downlinks, indicating viable non-cooperative radar without direct illuminator signals.
Key Points
To establish a reference-free passive radar framework that determines target geometry directly from received Starlink satellite waveforms without requiring an acquired or reconstructed direct illuminator signal.
Designed a hybrid Dish–Sparse Uniform Circular Array (SUCA) receiver within the RaDICAL architecture utilizing Starlink low Earth orbit downlinks as illuminators of opportunity.
Implemented Deterministic Multifrequency Dither (DMD) across SUCA elements to map spatial diversity into composite waveform signatures.
Developed an analytical model incorporating spherical-wave propagation, parabolic focusing, and QR-based waveform-domain hypothesis testing, verified through numerical simulations and link-budget analysis.
Achieved single-dwell detection of 0 dBsm targets at physical signal-to-noise ratios (SNR) near 0 dB.
Attained near-unity detection probability at physical SNRs exceeding 10 dB under controlled false-alarm conditions without transmitted waveform reconstruction.