Radar Technologies for Space Debris Detection: A Bibliometric Review

Abstract

The proliferation of artificial objects in Earth’s orbit has transformed space debris into one of the most critical challenges to space sustainability. Radar technologies play a pivotal role in the detection, tracking, and characterization of these non-functional objects, providing the backbone for global Space Situational Awareness (SSA) and collision avoidance systems. This study presents a comprehensive bibliometric analysis of radar-based space debris detection research published between 2005 and 2025. Using data retrieved from the Scopus and Web of Science databases, a curated dataset of 557 peer-reviewed journal articles was examined. The analysis explores publication trends, institutions, countries, and journals, as well as co-citation and keyword co-occurrence networks to map the intellectual and thematic structure of the field. Results reveal a sustained annual growth rate of 3.76%, with China and the United States leading global research output. Core motor themes—such as space-based radar, synthetic aperture radar, and remote sensing—define the technological foundation of the domain, while emerging clusters reflect growing interest in artificial intelligence and active debris removal. The study highlights a high degree of collaboration among researchers but significant geographic concentration of capabilities. By unveiling the evolution, collaboration patterns, and conceptual frontiers of radar-based space debris research, this work provides a quantitative foundation to guide future investigations and policy strategies aimed at ensuring long-term orbital sustainability.