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Description
This research looks at the feasibility and technicalities of using the Low Frequency Array (LOFAR) as a method for detecting and tracking satellites and space debris. It will consider using LOFAR as the receiver in a passive bi-static solution with the French GRAVES space radar as emitter to observe and identify objects in Earth orbit.
Based on Lunar reflections of GRAVES' emissions detected with LOFAR, this research determined the GRAVES system total emission power and scanning beam period. A single Remote LOFAR station is capable of detecting reflected signals from an object with an RCS of 1 m$^2$ at a distance of 2000 km and can detect objects with an RCS of 5 m$^2$ at a distance of 3000 km. This renders a single LOFAR station capable of detecting 36% of all known objects in Earth orbit with an instantaneous observation with a S/N > 2. Orbital parameters of radius and inclination can be fitted based on available Doppler-shift data with an accuracy of $\pm$ 0.3 degrees for inclination, and $\pm$8 km in terms of radius. Using more ground stations will improve the result.
Using the LOFAR system in a bi-static configuration as a receiver for GRAVES' radar reflections is a viable method for the Netherlands to gain access to space situational awareness data, without having to build an emitter itself.
