The Theory of Stellar Radar

G. W. Preston

ResearchPublished 1962

A consideration of the possibility of passive detection and tracking of objects in space near the earth by using the radio-frequency energy from the sun and from certain radio stars. The theory concerning these solar or stellar radars is that they can detect and track objects in space passively without the need for active radio-frequency emanations from the earth, thereby having potential value in military operations because of the tactical information given without disclosure of location. However, the analysis shows that this theory is not feasible. The advantages of a practicable system include the elimination of the radar transmitter and the improvement of detection sensitivity from an inverse fourth power to an inverse square function of target range.

Document Details

  • Copyright: RAND Corporation
  • Availability: Web Only
  • Year: 1962
  • Pages: 44
  • Document Number: RM-3167-PR

Citation

Chicago Manual of Style

Preston, G. W., The Theory of Stellar Radar. Santa Monica, CA: RAND Corporation, 1962. https://www.rand.org/pubs/research_memoranda/RM3167.html.
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