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This part of the article blew me away: "The Air Force is also using the Condor to process ground-based radar images of space objects, again with extraordinary
by cvg 16y ago
This part of the article blew me away:
"The Air Force is also using the Condor to process ground-based radar images of space objects, again with extraordinary clarity. Barnell shows images of a space shuttle orbiting Earth at 5 miles a second. Without Condor processing, the shuttle image is a blurry black triangle. With Condor processing, it is sharp and distinct. It’s clear that its payload doors are open."
I really had no idea that you could process radar to this clarity with off the shelf 2006 technology.
- wtallis 16y agoThat depends more on the wavelength of the radar than on the post-processing. As far as I know, radar post-processing is far more important for trajectory tracking than capturing a single clear image. A Ka band radar, for example, uses centimeter wavelengths, and W band radars are 3mm waves. I've heard that the radars used for tracking objects in orbit can image clearly enough to allow you to estimate the capabilities of an enemy's spy satellite based on the sizes of its antennas and cameras.
- stewartbutler 16y agoHeh. Nice thing about airforce: REALLY BIG radar.