Space Based Radar-System Architecture Design and Optimization for a Space BasedReplacement to AWACS

摘要

Through a process of system architecture design, system cost modeling, and systemarchitecture optimization, we assess the feasibility of performing the next generation Airborne Warning and Control System (AWACS) mission from a Space Based Radar platform. Initial studies by the Air Force called for systems that push the limits of currently available technology and are prohibitively expensive. We introduce a distributed operations concept for SBR that reduces the size of the satellites required, increases system reliability, improves system performance, and reduces system cost. Coupled with the system architecture optimization process, the resulting distributed SBR concept is feasible with currently available technology and is estimated to cost less than half of other, similar concepts.