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A new type of radar. How will photonic radar behave in outer space? What will be challenges faced by such radar ? How will it differ from pesa on Soyuz-MS ? Will such radar be termed as space weapon and what resolution will such radar provide for earth observation ?

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  • $\begingroup$ Not real new...was in use in the Shuttle program for years. You can see some examples (including a picture of one in use) in the answer to this question space.stackexchange.com/questions/10520/docking-in-orbit $\endgroup$ Commented Jul 23, 2016 at 14:44
  • $\begingroup$ It seems more like the laser rangefinder to me and LIDAR is what used by automated robot(tesla) to follow a path or to change a lane or uav to land $\endgroup$
    – Isrorian
    Commented Jul 23, 2016 at 14:57
  • $\begingroup$ That piece of equipment's formal name was the Handheld LIDAR. $\endgroup$ Commented Jul 23, 2016 at 15:30
  • $\begingroup$ Is their a difference btw laser rangefinder or laser radar here? $\endgroup$
    – Isrorian
    Commented Jul 23, 2016 at 15:51
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    $\begingroup$ Photonic radar refers to a radar that uses optical signal processing. $\endgroup$
    – Hobbes
    Commented Jul 26, 2016 at 10:42

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Edit: I misunderstood the question, here's another attempt.

Photonic radar refers to a radar system that uses optical signal processing.

A laser produces a finely-tuned digital signature, which is converted into a radio frequency wave and transmitted from the radar antenna. The returning wave is also converted via laser into a digital signal free from “jitter”. The cables are replaced with fibre optics – it is cheaper, lighter and crucially – it has less interference. It’s very accurate.”

In other words, the advantage is you have less noise to deal with. That gives an increase in range and precision.

But in space, it has the same issues as ordinary radar: it's useful for distances that are common on Earth, but for distances common in space you need huge amounts of power.

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  • $\begingroup$ Yes, LIDAR. You answered good, but i wasn't was'nt talking about Lidar. $\endgroup$
    – Isrorian
    Commented Jul 26, 2016 at 1:40

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