A system and method to generate a family of orthogonal signals for a code division multiple access (CDMA) radar system involve selecting a first signal of the family of orthogonal signals for transmission by one of a plurality of transmitters of the radar system. The method includes using an algorithm to determine a second signal of the family of orthogonal signals. The algorithm uses cross-correlation values between candidate signals for consideration as the second signal of the family of orthogonal signals and the first signal. The method also includes transmitting the first signal of the family of orthogonal signals and the second signal of the family of orthogonal signals simultaneously from two different transmitters, and obtaining and processing reflections resulting from transmission of the first signal of the family of orthogonal signals and the second signal of the family of orthogonal signals.