Maritime moving target indication using passive GNSS-based bistatic radar

This paper is a first introduction to the concept of using global navigation satellite systems (GNSS) as illuminators of opportunity in a passive bistatic real-time radar system for maritime target indication applications. An overview of the system concept and the signal processing algorithms for moving target indication is provided. To verify the feasibility of the system implementation as well as test the developed signal processing algorithms, an experimental test bed was developed and the appropriate experimental campaign with the new Galileo satellites and a ferry as the target was carried out. The results confirm the system concept and its potential for multistatic operation, with the ferry being detected simultaneously by two satellites.