Improved sensitivity for space domain awareness observations with the murchison widefield array

Our previously reported survey of the Low Earth Orbit (LEO) environment using Murchison Widefield Array (MWA) detected over 70 unique Resident Space Objects (RSOs) multiple passes, from 20 h observations in passive radar mode. In this paper, we extend work by demonstrating two methods that improve detection sensitivity system. The first method, called shift-stacking, increases statistical significance faint RSO signals through spatially coherent integration reflected signal along RSO’s trajectory across sky. This method was tested on used during our previous blind survey, and obtained a 75% increase total number detections. second re-focuses MWA to near-field position (post-observation), applying complex phase correction each visibility account for curved wave-front. successfully an extended array observation ISS pass. However, is currently limited de-coherence long-baselines (due hardware constraints current correlator). We discuss improvement detections expect Phase 3 correlator upgrade. conclude paper briefly commenting future dedicated Domain Awareness (SDA) systems will incorporate technologies.