The task of detecting inconspicuous flying objects based on recording changes in the radiation characteristics of the Starlink satellite network

This work is devoted to the detection of inconspicuous flying objects (unmanned aerial vehicles) by ground-based means. The analysis of traditional methods of solving the problem under consideration, based on the use of active radar, is carried out. A list of characteristics is formulated, including the control systems of modern unmanned aerial vehicles, which cause difficulties in traditional approaches to their detection. A study has been conducted on the possibility of using a passive radar method based on recording changes in the radio signal of a spacecraft of the Starlink satellite network to detect inconspicuous unmanned aerial vehicles crossing the radiation zone "Spacecraft – Earth (ground station)". When justifying the possibility, the following are given: characteristics and technology of the Starlink satellite network; estimates of the magnitude of changes in the main characteristics of the radio signal (phase shift, Doppler frequency shift, received signal power) depending on the time the unmanned aerial vehicle crosses the monitoring zone of the radio signal from the spacecraft by ground means. Preliminary requirements for a system for detecting inconspicuous unmanned aerial vehicles based on recording changes in the radiation characteristics of the Starlink satellite network have been formed. A detailed study of the proposed approach to detecting unmanned aerial vehicles using a ground-based signal reception system from a spacecraft of the Starlink satellite network requires the creation of a complete mathematical model of the process, which must be based on a rigorous approach to solving the diffraction problem.