Hello
Gianluca Coppa
Ph.D. Student in Industrial Engineering, University of Naples Federico II
About Me
I am a PhD student in Aerospace Engineering at the University of Naples Federico II, where I have also obtained my master’s degree. My research in Earth Observation focuses on developing innovative solutions for bistatic and distributed Synthetic Aperture Radar systems flying in formation and in constellations.
When flying in formation, a distributed SAR system needs error-free data for the image formation process. Indeed, original bistatic data are corrupted by several error sources; in particular, synchronization errors are the most prominent ones, affecting both data acquisition and the focusing process. In a Single-Input Multiple-Output scenario, when a pre-existing illuminator of opportunity is exploited, a proper synchronization scheme must be adopted. The research focuses on the development of a framework that starts from a continuously sampled data acquisition method, passes through the application of autocorrelation to retrieve the natural matrix shape, and proceeds to the application of innovative data-driven solutions for residual phase error retrieval, based on autofocus techniques.
In the context of a constellation, bistatic SAR systems can be very useful for retrieving additional information about the observed scene. The research focuses on the development of an innovative constellation able to fulfill high-demanding user requirements driven by relevant applications, such as natural hazards forecasting and critical infrastructure monitoring. The design process is aimed at optimizing system responsiveness in general, taking into account both revisit time and data latency. To this purpose, a novel Multi-Plane Repeating Ground Track orbit framework has been developed and applied to two different sub-constellations placed in Sun-Synchronous and Medium Inclination orbits. This imaging constellation, working in synergy with a defined relay-only constellation placed at higher altitude, is able to fulfill defined responsiveness requirements. A strong added value is represented by the bistatic capability, whose crucial feature of retrieving 3D displacement is essential for several applications.
Click here to view my poster.
When flying in formation, a distributed SAR system needs error-free data for the image formation process. Indeed, original bistatic data are corrupted by several error sources; in particular, synchronization errors are the most prominent ones, affecting both data acquisition and the focusing process. In a Single-Input Multiple-Output scenario, when a pre-existing illuminator of opportunity is exploited, a proper synchronization scheme must be adopted. The research focuses on the development of a framework that starts from a continuously sampled data acquisition method, passes through the application of autocorrelation to retrieve the natural matrix shape, and proceeds to the application of innovative data-driven solutions for residual phase error retrieval, based on autofocus techniques.
In the context of a constellation, bistatic SAR systems can be very useful for retrieving additional information about the observed scene. The research focuses on the development of an innovative constellation able to fulfill high-demanding user requirements driven by relevant applications, such as natural hazards forecasting and critical infrastructure monitoring. The design process is aimed at optimizing system responsiveness in general, taking into account both revisit time and data latency. To this purpose, a novel Multi-Plane Repeating Ground Track orbit framework has been developed and applied to two different sub-constellations placed in Sun-Synchronous and Medium Inclination orbits. This imaging constellation, working in synergy with a defined relay-only constellation placed at higher altitude, is able to fulfill defined responsiveness requirements. A strong added value is represented by the bistatic capability, whose crucial feature of retrieving 3D displacement is essential for several applications.
Click here to view my poster.