Nathan Toner, Cloudstone Innovations; Dominic Manzano, Cloudstone Innovations; David Moore, Cloudstone Innovations; Alexander Vlasse, Cloudstone Innovations; C. Channing Chow II, Cloudstone Innovations
Keywords: low-swap, autonomous, wide field of view, surveillance, electro-optical
Abstract:
We present Panopticon, a groundbreaking electro-optical (EO) wide-field-of-view (WFOV) staring sensor designed to enhance space domain awareness (SDA) by providing persistent monitoring of the low Earth orbit (LEO) regime. As a low-size, weight, power, and cost (low-SWAPC) solution, Panopticon features an expansive 60×40-degree field of view, enabling continuous observation of a broad section of the sky. Its design emphasizes ease of deployment, simple operation, and minimal maintenance, making it an ideal tool for rapidly filling SDA coverage gaps and ensuring comprehensive tracking of space objects.
Traditional EO systems often rely on prior knowledge of satellite trajectories to detect and track objects, limiting their effectiveness in dynamic and unpredictable space environments. In contrast, Panopticon operates as a staring sensor, capable of detecting and tracking objects without any a priori trajectory information. This flexibility is powered by advanced, real-time edge-processing algorithms, which allow the sensor to simultaneously monitor and track multiple objects within its field of view. These algorithms also enable rapid reporting of object states and characterization data to downstream SDA decision-makers, significantly shortening decision timelines and improving responsiveness to potential threats or anomalies in the LEO regime.
Panopticon has undergone rapid development, with prototype sensors already deployed and operational across a diverse range of global locations. These sites include Korea, Romania, Alaska, and southern Patagonia, demonstrating the system’s adaptability to varied geographic and environmental conditions. The sensor’s robust design ensures reliable performance even in extreme weather scenarios, and its autonomous operation requires minimal user intervention. These deployments not only validate the sensor’s technical capabilities but also showcase its potential to contribute meaningfully to ongoing SDA efforts on an international scale.
The system’s ability to address persistent monitoring challenges in SDA stems from both its innovative hardware and its advanced software capabilities. The hardware itself is compact and rugged, making it well-suited for deployment in remote or hard-to-access locations. Meanwhile, the real-time edge-processing algorithms embedded in the sensor enable autonomous object detection, tracking, and characterization. These algorithms prioritize efficiency and speed, ensuring that actionable data is delivered to decision-makers without delay. Notably, Panopticon’s WFOV coverage makes it highly effective at identifying uncorrelated targets (UCTs)—objects that do not match known trajectories—further enhancing its contributions to SDA by improving situational awareness of previously undetected or unknown objects. This capability is critical in the context of SDA, where timely and accurate information can significantly impact mission outcomes and broader strategic decisions.
The contributions of Panopticon to SDA are already evident in its operational deployments. By providing continuous monitoring of LEO, the sensor has successfully tracked and characterized objects that might otherwise have gone undetected by traditional systems. Its ability to detect UCTs through WFOV coverage has proven invaluable in reducing uncertainties and increasing the fidelity of space object tracking. These early successes underscore the potential of Panopticon to enhance global SDA efforts by improving situational awareness and reducing uncertainties in space object tracking.
Looking ahead, the future development of Panopticon is focused on several key areas. Hardware updates are planned to further optimize the sensor’s performance, with an emphasis on improving resolution, sensitivity, and operational reliability. New algorithmic capabilities are also under development, aimed at expanding the range of detectable object types and enhancing the accuracy of state and characterization data. Additionally, plans for expanded deployments will enable broader coverage and more comprehensive integration into global SDA networks. These advancements are expected to solidify Panopticon as a critical tool for maintaining safe and sustainable operations in LEO.
In summary, Panopticon represents a significant advancement in SDA technology, addressing key challenges in persistent monitoring and rapid data reporting. Its innovative design, autonomous operation, and demonstrated effectiveness in diverse environments position it as a valuable asset for enhancing global SDA capabilities. As development continues, Panopticon is poised to play a central role in strengthening situational awareness and decision-making in the increasingly congested and contested space domain.
Date of Conference: September 16-19, 2025
Track: SDA Systems & Instrumentation