WKTaylor
Active member
- Sep 24, 2001
- 4,028
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/NOTE1/ That this 'Chinese study' was even published makes me wary that this is real as opposed to being a decoy...
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Could Satellite Signals ‘Un-Stealth’ Stealth Aircraft?
New research shows that satellite signals could be effective where radar fails.
According to a story on the Techno-Science website, a recent Chinese study shows that Starlink satellites could provide a means for detecting stealth aircraft. Stealth technology is devoted to developing aircraft shapes and surfaces that reduce the radar signature and deflect radar beams. But Chinese researchers have reportedly found that aircraft—including stealth aircraft—cause interference in regular satellite signals, such as those from the Starlink constellation, that can be analyzed to detect their presence, even when they are invisible to radar.
Chinese scientists tested the premise with a low-altitude DJI Phantom 4 Pro drone, which simulates the radar signature of a stealth aircraft such as the F-22. They were able to detect the drone based on the variations in electromagnetic signals emanating from the satellites.
This technology would have the added advantage over radar of not requiring easily detectable radar emissions. And as more Starlink satellites are placed in orbit, more opportunity exists for piggybacking on their transmissions for this purpose.
Though they noted that their research is still in the experimental stage, the Chinese scientists are already considering using other similar satellite constellations, including those from the Chinese Thousand Sails program.
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China plans to repurpose Starlink satellites to detect stealth aircraft, here's how...
By altering the satellite signal, these planes could influence the quality of transmissions. The scientists tested this hypothesis with a commercial drone, the DJI Phantom 4 Pro, which simulates the radar footprint of a stealth aircraft. The experiment took place in China using signals captured from Starlink satellites.
The approach is based on the fact that signal disruptions, caused by an object passing through the line between the satellite and the ground station, can reveal the presence of the object. The researchers were able to locate the drone by observing variations in the electromagnetic signals from the satellites.
Starlink, with its dense constellation, offers extensive and continuous coverage, ideal for this kind of detection. This passive method has an advantage over traditional radars, which require active emissions to find their targets.
While the tests focused on a low-altitude drone, the researchers anticipate potential improvements. The increasing number of Starlink satellites in the coming years could bolster this technique.
The Chinese scientists, while noting that their method is still in an experimental phase, foresee military applications. They are also considering the possibility of using similar constellations in the future, such as Thousand Sails (a Chinese project).
Detecting stealth aircraft remains a complex task, requiring thorough analysis of signal data. Preliminary results indicate that this technology may provide an interesting alternative to traditional radar systems.
Future developments could enhance this technique, making it more effective in military applications. The researchers are continuing to refine their approach to address the challenges posed by stealth aircraft.
Regards, Wil Taylor
o Trust - But Verify!
o For those who believe, no proof is required; for those who cannot believe, no proof is possible. [variation, Stuart Chase]
o Unfortunately, in science what You 'believe' is irrelevant. ["Orion", HBA forum]
o Only fools and charlatans know everything and understand everything." -Anton Chekhov
/NOTE1/ That this 'Chinese study' was even published makes me wary that this is real as opposed to being a decoy...
-----------
Could Satellite Signals ‘Un-Stealth’ Stealth Aircraft?
New research shows that satellite signals could be effective where radar fails.
According to a story on the Techno-Science website, a recent Chinese study shows that Starlink satellites could provide a means for detecting stealth aircraft. Stealth technology is devoted to developing aircraft shapes and surfaces that reduce the radar signature and deflect radar beams. But Chinese researchers have reportedly found that aircraft—including stealth aircraft—cause interference in regular satellite signals, such as those from the Starlink constellation, that can be analyzed to detect their presence, even when they are invisible to radar.
Chinese scientists tested the premise with a low-altitude DJI Phantom 4 Pro drone, which simulates the radar signature of a stealth aircraft such as the F-22. They were able to detect the drone based on the variations in electromagnetic signals emanating from the satellites.
This technology would have the added advantage over radar of not requiring easily detectable radar emissions. And as more Starlink satellites are placed in orbit, more opportunity exists for piggybacking on their transmissions for this purpose.
Though they noted that their research is still in the experimental stage, the Chinese scientists are already considering using other similar satellite constellations, including those from the Chinese Thousand Sails program.
----------
China plans to repurpose Starlink satellites to detect stealth aircraft, here's how...
By altering the satellite signal, these planes could influence the quality of transmissions. The scientists tested this hypothesis with a commercial drone, the DJI Phantom 4 Pro, which simulates the radar footprint of a stealth aircraft. The experiment took place in China using signals captured from Starlink satellites.
The approach is based on the fact that signal disruptions, caused by an object passing through the line between the satellite and the ground station, can reveal the presence of the object. The researchers were able to locate the drone by observing variations in the electromagnetic signals from the satellites.
Starlink, with its dense constellation, offers extensive and continuous coverage, ideal for this kind of detection. This passive method has an advantage over traditional radars, which require active emissions to find their targets.
While the tests focused on a low-altitude drone, the researchers anticipate potential improvements. The increasing number of Starlink satellites in the coming years could bolster this technique.
The Chinese scientists, while noting that their method is still in an experimental phase, foresee military applications. They are also considering the possibility of using similar constellations in the future, such as Thousand Sails (a Chinese project).
Detecting stealth aircraft remains a complex task, requiring thorough analysis of signal data. Preliminary results indicate that this technology may provide an interesting alternative to traditional radar systems.
Future developments could enhance this technique, making it more effective in military applications. The researchers are continuing to refine their approach to address the challenges posed by stealth aircraft.
Regards, Wil Taylor
o Trust - But Verify!
o For those who believe, no proof is required; for those who cannot believe, no proof is possible. [variation, Stuart Chase]
o Unfortunately, in science what You 'believe' is irrelevant. ["Orion", HBA forum]
o Only fools and charlatans know everything and understand everything." -Anton Chekhov
