Adaptive Multi-beamforming for Space-based ADS-B

We investigate a strategy to address the problem of low aircraft detection probability of space-based Automatic Dependent Surveillance-Broadcast (ADS-B). A nineteen-element hexagonal array and adaptive multi-beamforming method is proposed. This method aims to adjust the beam pattern dynamically to reduce signal collision and enlarge coverage. With the focus on the mission requirement of global aircraft detection by 2020, the appropriate gain and direction of beams are studied and designed in detail. Theoretical analysis and simulations show that this adaptive multi-beam antenna can greatly improve flight detection probability at an average reporting interval from 10 seconds to 5 seconds when compared with the traditional fixed multi-beam antenna. The results of this work show that the design of a 19-element antenna along with the adaptive multi-beamforming method can be considered as a building block of future space-based ADS-B.