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Solid state transmitters for spaceborne radarsThe SEASAT-A synthetic aperture radar, the first spaceborne SAR, utilized an all solid state RF signal synthesizer and L-band transmitter to drive a corporately fed flat plate array. The RF signal synthesizer generated a linear FM ""CHIRP'' waveform and provided stable CW reference signals used to upconvert the received signal to a unified S-band downlink channel, and to synchronize satellite control logic. The transmitter generated 1200 watts peak RF power (66 watts average) at a center frequency of 1.275 GHz from 354 watts of DC prime power. Linear FM CHIRP swept symmetrically around the center frequency with a bandwidth of 19.05 MHz and a pulse duration of 33.8 sec. Pulse repetition rate was variable from 1647 to 1944 pps. These transmitter signal parameters combined with the flat plate 34 x 7.5 ft aperture at an orbital altitude of 498 miles and a look angle 20 deg off nadir gave the SAR an 85 foot resolution over a 15.5 mile wide swath.
Document ID
19840008330
Acquisition Source
Legacy CDMS
Document Type
Conference Paper
Authors
Turlington, T. R.
(Westinghouse Defense and Electronic Systems Center Baltimore, MD, United States)
Date Acquired
August 12, 2013
Publication Date
July 1, 1983
Publication Information
Publication: JPL Spaceborne Imaging Radar Symp.
Subject Category
Communications And Radar
Accession Number
84N16398
Distribution Limits
Public
Copyright
Work of the US Gov. Public Use Permitted.

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