Space-based radar is space-borne radar systems that may have any of a variety of purposes. A number of Earth-observing radar satellites, such as RADARSAT, have employed synthetic aperture radar (SAR) to obtain terrain and land-cover information about the Earth.

Can radar be used in space?

Radar (and other light-based detection systems) works in space but decreases in usefulness with distance. Active omnidirectional systems are only good for one's immediate area.

How does a radar satellites work?

The radar transmits pulses of microwave radiation. Part of the energy of each pulse bounces off raindrops, insects, snowflakes, etc. back to the radar. from the radar (due to Earth's curvature) The radar then tilts upward and does another rotation for a higher elevation scan.