Why choose radar?
We advocate radar because it has a number of benefits over optical technologies. When designed optimally, it offers good range and large area coverage, sufficient resolution for nearly all foreseeable space sensing applications, and can work in all visibility conditions – when the Sun is in line of sight, during an eclipse, and in dust for missions on celestial bodies.
With the right expertise, mmWave radar can be designed for low cost, size, weight, and power, and to avoid moving parts that can break – all important considerations when putting it onto a satellite or spacecraft.
Comparing a Radar, a LiDAR and a Camera using a drone
Sensing technologies – the options
There are three primary approaches for autonomous platforms:
Optical cameras
Can capture detailed, color-rich images mimicking human vision, but highly dependent on lighting conditions and struggle in very bright, dark or high contrast environments.
LiDAR (Light Detection and Ranging)
Uses laser pulses with short infrared wavelengths to capture very detailed depth images and create high-resolution 3D maps but tends to only work well in good conditions. But its laser light is scattered and absorbed by fine particles such as dust, limiting its applications on celestial bodies such as asteroids and moons. Furthermore, its performance is degraded when the Sun is within its field of view.
Radar (Radio Detection and Ranging)
Uses radio waves to detect objects and measure their speed, distance, and bearing. It offers lower resolution than LiDAR but excels in detecting objects over long distances, and those moving quickly. It is unaffected by lighting conditions and less affected by fine particles.
Technical Paper – Sensing in Space
Explore the cutting-edge technology of mmWave radar and its impact on space missions, including the detection of orbital fragments, in our technical paper “Sensing in Space”. Gain insights into safety and efficiency improvements, customization options, and performance optimization. Stay informed about the latest advancements in space technology.
Beyond policy: how industry must deliver ESA’s Zero Debris Vision
Space needs to be kept clean, and this is becoming increasingly hard as commercial and defence activities ramp up.
How radar works
How Does Radar Work? Understanding Radar Technology and Applications with Richard Jacklin
Why radar should be on your radar
Space missions demand sensors that work in brutal conditions - and radar works when everything else fails.
Accelerating the Next Generation of Electromagnetic Warfare
UK's £1 billion electromagnetic warfare investment risks failure without urgent procurement reform to match the pace of modern battlefield innovation.
Addressing the Escalation in GNSS Spoofing with Data Fusion
Plextek's data fusion technology helps maritime vessels maintain navigation accuracy during increasing GNSS spoofing attacks.
Driving Radar Innovation for Space in the CLEAR Mission
Plextek Supports ClearSpace in Completing Phase 2 of Mission CLEAR, Strengthening UK’s Leadership In Orbit Services.
Why Radar is Becoming Essential in Mission Assurance
Recent high profile reports of lunar lander failures due to loss of altitude and doppler sensing data show the necessity for a suite of sensors, making radar now essential for mission assurance.
5G/6G and Satellites: Global Connectivity Revolution
Exploring how the integration of 5G/6G technologies with satellite networks is transforming global connectivity through Non-Terrestrial Networks and Direct-to-Device communication.
Meet Vicky, Senior VP of Engineering
Meet Vicky Larmour, Plextek's Senior Vice President of Engineering
Measuring Micro-Debris in LEO with Next-Gen Space Radar
Detecting micro-debris in real-time is key to safer space operations. Next-gen mmWave radar technology enables high-resolution tracking of even the smallest fragments in LEO, reducing collision risks and enhancing space situational awareness. Discover how this innovation supports a more sustainable orbital future.
Yocto or PetaLinux?
Our comprehensive comparison of PetaLinux and Yocto, focusing on system requirements, build engines, and build outputs for developing embedded systems.
The Future of Connectivity: 5G, 6G, and Space-Based Networks
As industries push the boundaries of global connectivity, the integration of 5G and drive towards 6G with satellite and space-based networks is unlocking new opportunities. Kevin Cobley, an expert in this evolving field, shares his insights on the challenges and innovations shaping the future of non-terrestrial networks (NTN).