IMPACT OF A DISTRIBUTED ARCHITECTURE FOR SPACE-BASED RADAR

Through a process of system architecture analysis, system cost modelin g, and system architecture optimization, the feasibility is assessed o f performing the surveillance function of the next generation airborne warning and control system mission from a space-based radar platform. A distributed operations concept is considered that reduces the size of the satellites required, increases system reliability, improves sys tem performance, and reduces the system cost compared to monolithic de signs. The system analysis methodology relies on the specification of a set of mission performance requirements. Competing system architectu res can then be compared quantitatively on the basis of a simple cost metric. The cost metric used reflects the cost to initial operating ca pability and consists of subsystem, reliability, and constellation com ponents. The architecture design process minimizes the cost metric whi le ensuring compliance with the established performance requirements. It is shown that there is an optimal level of distribution that minimi zes the cost.