T. Lepekhina, V. Nikolaev

Expansion of spaceborne SAR functions and applied technical requirements implies ground test procedure refinement and, therefore, new test facility hardware and software development. The hardware-in-the-loop workbench considered in this paper provides simulation of radar signals reflected from arbitrary targets in various survey modes, this providing SAR instrument and imaging software ground tests by means of both spatial resolution and radiometric characteristics preliminary estimation, and obtained radar image secondary processing test as well. The workbench is composed of modular devices off-the-shelf to facilitate its modifications and upgrade. The software provides arbitrary test target and clutter simulation, echo signal synthesis, imaging and image analysis. The workbench is suitable for ground tests of SARs with various sounding signal modulations and survey modes due to its hardware and software flexibility. Implementation of the hardware-in-the-loop workbench in SAR ground test facility enables some tests and measurements previously being essential points of flight tests. This possibility facilitates radar complex software checkout, as well as spaceborne SAR flight test and validation technique adjustment.