My PhD research is focused on the use of different sets of observables retrieved from Synthetic Aperture Radar (SAR) images to estimate the full velocity vector of moving targets. In particular, these estimation procedures are applied to a constellation of SAR satellites operating in squinted geometry, and their performance is compared. The main objective is to improve the accuracy and robustness of moving target indication (MTI) techniques, which are crucial for maritime surveillance, ground traffic monitoring, and security applications.

The methods I investigate involve different combinations of along-track interferometric (ATI) measurements ( dual- channel technoque) and residual Doppler rate measurements, ( single-channel technique). By properly combining these observables, it is possible to reconstruct the two-dimensional velocity vector of a moving object, and under certain conditions extend the estimation toward a more complete kinematic description.

This research is strongly connected to the emerging New Space Era, characterized by the rapid growth of private space companies, reduced launch costs, and the deployment of large constellations of small satellites. My work contributes to this scenario by developing enhanced estimation procedures that can fully exploit SAR constellations , leveraging on the availability of increased spatial diversity offered by multiple satellites.

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