Synthetic aperture radar processing system for search and rescue

Barton D. Huxtable; Christopher R. Jackson; Arthur W. Mansfield; Houra Rais

doi:10.1117/12.277104

23 June 1997 Synthetic aperture radar processing system for search and rescue

Barton D. Huxtable, Christopher R. Jackson, Arthur W. Mansfield, Houra Rais

Proceedings Volume 3069, Automatic Target Recognition VII; (1997) https://doi.org/10.1117/12.277104
Event: AeroSense '97, 1997, Orlando, FL, United States

Abstract

Synthetic aperture radar (SAR) is uniquely suited to help solve the search and rescue problem since it can be utilized either day or night and through both dense fog or thick cloud cover. This paper describes the search and rescue data processing system (SARDPS) developed at Goddard Space Flight Center. SARDPS was developed for the Search and Rescue Mission Office in order to conduct research, development, and technology demonstration of SAR to quickly locate small aircraft which have crashed in remote areas. In order to effectively apply SAR to the detection of crashed aircraft several technical challenges needed to be overcome. These include full resolution SAR image formation using low frequency radar appropriate for foliage penetration, the application of autofocusing for SAR motion compensation in the processing system, and the development of sophisticated candidate crash site detection algorithms. In addition, the need to dispatch rescue teams to specific locations requires precise SAR image georectification and map registration techniques. The final end-to-end processing system allows for raw SAR phase history data to be quickly converted to georeferenced map/image products with candidate crash site locations identified.

Citation Download Citation

Barton D. Huxtable, Christopher R. Jackson, Arthur W. Mansfield, and Houra Rais "Synthetic aperture radar processing system for search and rescue", Proc. SPIE 3069, Automatic Target Recognition VII, (23 June 1997); https://doi.org/10.1117/12.277104

ACCESS THE FULL ARTICLE

INSTITUTIONAL
Select your institution to access the SPIE Digital Library.

SELECT YOUR INSTITUTION

PERSONAL
Sign in with your SPIE account to access your personal subscriptions or to use specific features such as save to my library, sign up for alerts, save searches, etc.

PERSONAL SIGN IN

No SPIE Account? Create one

PURCHASE THIS CONTENT

SUBSCRIBE TO DIGITAL LIBRARY

50 downloads per 1-year subscription

Members: $195

Non-members: $335 ADD TO CART

25 downloads per 1 - year subscription

Members: $145

Non-members: $250 ADD TO CART

PURCHASE SINGLE ARTICLE

Includes PDF, HTML & Video, when available