Plextek Unveils Groundbreaking mmWave Radar Technology for Enhanced Space Safety

Plextek Unveils Groundbreaking mmWave Radar Technology for Enhanced Space Safety

Plextek, a consultancy recognized for its expertise in low Size, Weight, and Power (SWaP) sensing technology, has published its latest innovation in the field of in-orbit space operations and sensing. In their technical paper titled "Sensing in Space" Plextek showcases groundbreaking mmWave radar technology, designed to improve the safety and reliability of future space and satellite missions. 

Plextek's mmWave radar technology is an accurate and efficient way of detecting objects as small as a millimeter through to much larger objects like dead or uncooperative satellites. It can also work in conditions that can be challenging for other types of sensors for instance, in an eclipse, with the sun in boresight, or even on a dusty and obscured lunar surface. 

Richard Jacklin, space enthusiast and Commercial Lead at Plextek shares the company's commitment to its mmWave core platform and its optimization for each space mission. "There is no one-size-fits-all solution when it comes to sensing in space. Our team works closely with space missions to determine the suitability of mmWave radar technology and identify the optimal radio configuration, antenna design, interfacing software, and security measures to meet performance and SWaP-C goals." 

Before its release, Richard presented extracts from the paper at the CONFERS 7th Annual Global Satellite Servicing Forum & Exhibition in Arlington, VA. The industry event provided attendees with a preview of the paper, offered insights and created conversation about the future of tech in space exploration.  

Plextek's mmWave radar platform offers a scalable and reliable solution for companies looking at long-term business potential in space. By incorporating off-the-shelf components that can be tailored for different missions, Plextek can ensure rapid development and deployment of custom mmWave radar solutions at scale and pace. 

The future of space sensing is set to be improved by Plextek's innovative technology, offering enhanced safety, efficiency, and operational capabilities for satellites, spacecraft, and maybe even space tourists! 

Click here to know more about the Plextek's Technical Papers

Click here to know more about Plextek's mmWave Radar Technology

Publisher: SatNow
Tags:-  SatelliteLaunchGroundSensors

GNSS Constellations - A list of all GNSS satellites by constellations

beidou

Satellite NameOrbit Date
BeiDou-3 G4Geostationary Orbit (GEO)17 May, 2023
BeiDou-3 G2Geostationary Orbit (GEO)09 Mar, 2020
Compass-IGSO7Inclined Geosynchronous Orbit (IGSO)09 Feb, 2020
BeiDou-3 M19Medium Earth Orbit (MEO)16 Dec, 2019
BeiDou-3 M20Medium Earth Orbit (MEO)16 Dec, 2019
BeiDou-3 M21Medium Earth Orbit (MEO)23 Nov, 2019
BeiDou-3 M22Medium Earth Orbit (MEO)23 Nov, 2019
BeiDou-3 I3Inclined Geosynchronous Orbit (IGSO)04 Nov, 2019
BeiDou-3 M23Medium Earth Orbit (MEO)22 Sep, 2019
BeiDou-3 M24Medium Earth Orbit (MEO)22 Sep, 2019

galileo

Satellite NameOrbit Date
GSAT0223MEO - Near-Circular05 Dec, 2021
GSAT0224MEO - Near-Circular05 Dec, 2021
GSAT0219MEO - Near-Circular25 Jul, 2018
GSAT0220MEO - Near-Circular25 Jul, 2018
GSAT0221MEO - Near-Circular25 Jul, 2018
GSAT0222MEO - Near-Circular25 Jul, 2018
GSAT0215MEO - Near-Circular12 Dec, 2017
GSAT0216MEO - Near-Circular12 Dec, 2017
GSAT0217MEO - Near-Circular12 Dec, 2017
GSAT0218MEO - Near-Circular12 Dec, 2017

glonass

Satellite NameOrbit Date
Kosmos 2569--07 Aug, 2023
Kosmos 2564--28 Nov, 2022
Kosmos 2559--10 Oct, 2022
Kosmos 2557--07 Jul, 2022
Kosmos 2547--25 Oct, 2020
Kosmos 2545--16 Mar, 2020
Kosmos 2544--11 Dec, 2019
Kosmos 2534--27 May, 2019
Kosmos 2529--03 Nov, 2018
Kosmos 2527--16 Jun, 2018

gps

Satellite NameOrbit Date
Navstar 82Medium Earth Orbit19 Jan, 2023
Navstar 81Medium Earth Orbit17 Jun, 2021
Navstar 78Medium Earth Orbit22 Aug, 2019
Navstar 77Medium Earth Orbit23 Dec, 2018
Navstar 76Medium Earth Orbit05 Feb, 2016
Navstar 75Medium Earth Orbit31 Oct, 2015
Navstar 74Medium Earth Orbit15 Jul, 2015
Navstar 73Medium Earth Orbit25 Mar, 2015
Navstar 72Medium Earth Orbit29 Oct, 2014
Navstar 71Medium Earth Orbit02 Aug, 2014

irnss

Satellite NameOrbit Date
NVS-01Geostationary Orbit (GEO)29 May, 2023
IRNSS-1IInclined Geosynchronous Orbit (IGSO)12 Apr, 2018
IRNSS-1HSub Geosynchronous Transfer Orbit (Sub-GTO)31 Aug, 2017
IRNSS-1GGeostationary Orbit (GEO)28 Apr, 2016
IRNSS-1FGeostationary Orbit (GEO)10 Mar, 2016
IRNSS-1EGeosynchronous Orbit (IGSO)20 Jan, 2016
IRNSS-1DInclined Geosynchronous Orbit (IGSO)28 Mar, 2015
IRNSS-1CGeostationary Orbit (GEO)16 Oct, 2014
IRNSS-1BInclined Geosynchronous Orbit (IGSO)04 Apr, 2014
IRNSS-1AInclined Geosynchronous Orbit (IGSO)01 Jul, 2013