Dynamic RCS Modelling of Launch Vehicle Prior to Launch for Estimation of Real-time SNR

Abstract

Abstract The Radar Tracking System plays a crucial role in tracking launch vehicles by providing continuous trajectory information in order to assess their performance in real-time for range safety purpose. The target Radar Cross Section (RCS) determines radar tracking efficiency and highly depends on both the target characteristics and the radar parameters. A good amount of RCS is warranted for space-based applications for easy detection and continuous tracking by the radar. It is essential to model and simulate the RCS fluctuations of the launch vehicle prior to launch for estimating the real-time received Signal to Noise Ratio (SNR) variations for its dynamic trajectory. This modelling will aid in selecting the best radar configuration to obtain a good amount of SNR in real-time and it also provides guidance for the radar operation in tracking the target. This paper analysed the RCS fluctuations of the launch vehicle for its dynamic trajectory prior to launch by software simulation and also compute the expected real time launch vehicle SNR variations.