CLUSIM: A Synthetic Aperture Radar Clutter Simulator for Planetary Exploration

Abstract

In this paper we present the CLUtter SIMulator (CLUSIM), a special program simulating radar side echoes from rough planetary surfaces using realistic topography data sets. A numerical model of realistic topography of the Martian surface, based on Mars Orbiter Laser Altimeter data, is developed. A specially developed computer routine for evaluation of wideband radar echoes reflected from rough surfaces, capable of aperture synthesis simulation, is described. A synthetic radargram for a portion of Mars Express (MEX) orbit 9466 is computed and validated against experimental data obtained by the MARSIS radar instrument. Finally, a previously developed ionospheric phase correction procedure is numerically tested with new simulated echo signals. Impact of the surface clutter on the ionospheric correction procedure is investigated with a direct numerical comparison to a known benchmark result, which shows robustness of the correction algorithm with respect to the surface clutter.

Mars' Ionospheric Interaction With Comet C/2013 A1 Siding Spring's Coma at Their Closest Approach as Seen by Mars Express

“…It is based on Chapman theory adapted to Martian conditions using MARSIS-AIS data. NeMars is ideal for comparisons with these electron density profile observations, as previously demonstrated by other studies such as in support of in situ Mars crosslink radio-occultations (Ao et al, 2015), solar cycle variations in the Martian ionosphere , annual and solar cycle TEC behavior (Cartacci et al, 2018;, and ionospheric removal for radar surface studies (Ilyushin et al, 2017).…”

“…Similar to the local plasma density, the topside ionosphere also has a variable behavior. NeMars is ideal for comparisons with these electron density profile observations, as previously demonstrated by other studies such as in support of in situ Mars crosslink radio-occultations (Ao et al, 2015), solar cycle variations in the Martian ionosphere , annual and solar cycle TEC behavior (Cartacci et al, 2018;, and ionospheric removal for radar surface studies (Ilyushin et al, 2017). NeMars is an empirical model that describes the electron density distribution with altitude in Mars' ionosphere with respect to SZA, solar activity, and heliocentric distance.…”

Structural geology of Ganymede regional groove systems (60°N–60°S)

“…Radar for Europa Assessment and Sounding: Ocean to Near-surface, REASON, Pettinelli et al, 2015;Radar for Icy Moon Exploration, RIME, Bruzzone et al, 2013). The identified groove azimuths will be useful to identify regions where to acquire the optimal data and to avoid intense clutter returns (Ilyushin, Orosei, Witasse, & Sánchez-Cano, 2017).…”

An Improved Method of Surface Clutter Simulation Based on Orbiting Radar in Tianwen‐1 Mars Exploration

“…In MARSIS surface echo simulation, the research group uses square facets initially. Each facet's normal direction and central position depend on four adjacent elevation points (Ilyushin et al., 2017; Nouvel et al., 2004). However, the practical modeling effect shows that discontinuity exists between adjacent facets.…”

“…Ilyushin et al. (2017) further introduced triangle facets to build a topography model and express the amplitude and phase of echoes as the far‐field approximation of Green's function. In SHARAD surface echo simulation, Russo et al.…”