Matthew Bold, Lockheed Martin Space; Katie Lien, Lockheed Martin Space; Amy Cooprider, Lockheed Martin Space; Greg Madsen, Lockheed Martin Space; Dennis Shaw, Lockheed Martin Space; Kacem Ettahali, Lockheed Martin Space; Sarah Dillender, Lockheed Martin Space; Guy Chriqui, Lockheed Martin Space; James Mason, Lockheed Martin Space
Keywords: Persistent sensing, uncued detection, widefield of view sensing, launch tracking, maritime platforms, unattended platforms
Abstract:
Persistent monitoring of space objects, launch vehicles and missile launches is key to developing complete patterns of life, leveraging patterns of life to detect changes in behavior and to use this timely knowledge to inform reactions and responses. A clearer real time picture of the space situation will drive efficiencies in everyday operations including maneuver planning and collision avoidance, but it will also become critical in addressing more threatening activities such as an attack on a satellite or a missile launch. Persistence necessitates deployment of numerous sensors around and throughout the operating domain leaving no part of the volume of space uncovered. Overlap and duplication of such coverage adds resilience to the sensing network and increases resolution and perspective. It is important to consider every available platform for distributing sensors. Space based sensors will play a crucial role in providing persistent monitoring, but space assets are more expensive and have a long acquisition lead time. Land based sensors are more affordable and easier to deploy, but only 29% of the Earth is covered by land and much of this is not available, either geographically or geopolitically. Lockheed Martin and Saildrone are working together to explore the viability of maritime based sensors, hosted on unattended vessels that are able to operate in waters around the world. This paper will report on initial results from optical sensors on unattended vessels operating off the coast of California and proposed approaches to mitigate the effects of the maritime environment including platform motion, access to clear skies and buildup of contamination on the windows. This paper will also explore the architecture and concept of operations for a maritime sensor network and the contribution to the domain awareness mission.
Date of Conference: September 16-19, 2025
Track: SDA Systems & Instrumentation