The Arecibo Observatory's legacy and future radar capabilities

Ground-based radar systems are critical for physical and dynamical characterization of near-Earth objects (NEOs) and space debris. The operational aspect and applications of radar for planetary defense and space situational/ domain awareness (SSA/SDA) are similar, but there are some factors that should be taken into account for an instrument to support both areas: planetary defense is focused on asteroids and comets in heliocentric orbit with perihelion distance <1.3 au. Special attention is given to potentially hazardous objects (PHOs), which are NEOs larger than 140 m that can come within 0.05 au (similar to 20 lunar distances) of Earth. Radar can quickly and accurately determine NEOs' future trajectory, therefore, the sooner an object can be observed, the safer it is to assess any possible threat. Radar is also useful to help obtaining information about the objects' properties to plan for an impact mitigation mission if needed. For SSA, the focus is artificial objects orbiting Earth. This document presents the radar capabilities of the legacy Arecibo telescope, and explores synergistic future concepts for planetary defense and SSA.

Automated summary

Ground-based radar systems play a critical role in characterizing near-Earth objects (NEOs) and space debris. They are important for both planetary defense and space situational/ domain awareness (SSA/SDA), but there are different considerations for supporting each area. Planetary defense focuses on asteroids and comets in heliocentric orbit, while SSA is concerned with artificial objects orbiting Earth. This document explores the radar capabilities of the Arecibo telescope and discusses future concepts for both planetary defense and SSA.