Technique for geolocation of EMI emitters by O3b satellites

Abstract

This thesis investigates how and to what effectiveness the O3b commercial satellite constellation could be used for geolocation of Ka-band EMI sources in support of the DOD. Review of commonly used geolocation techniques for suitability and comparison of those with the O3b constellation characteristics shows that a new method of geolocation is necessary and possible. A method using the Doppler effect with frequency data from a single antenna was then created that is compatible with O3b. This method uses the received frequency of the jammer over time to detect the base frequency, and then compares the received frequency to that of simulated emitters at known locations in order to provide a geolocation for EMI emitters. This was modeled to be accurate within 16 km throughout O3b's service area. This level of accuracy would provide the ability to mitigate the interference or decrease a search area for assets with higher capabilities in order to increase their efficiency of tasking/use. This method is of further benefit to the DOD due to its potential to be low cost, be maintained as an organic capability by the units, and decrease the time necessary to reach a conclusion when working through the Joint Spectrum Interference Resolution process.