Brian Kloppenborg, Georgia Tech Research Institute; Christopher Valenta, Georgia Tech Research Institute; Layne Churchill, Georgia Tech Research Institute; Marcus Holzinger, University of Colorado Boulder; Brian Gunter, Georgia Institute of Technology
Keywords: Space Situational Awareness program, Satellite characterization, sBRDF, Modeling, Simulation, Cube Satellite
Abstract:
In the next two years Georgia Tech’s School of Aerospace Engineering will launch three cubesats into LEO. These satellites will perform ranging and guidance, space-based space surveillance, and laser ranging experiments. Recognizing that these launches presented a unique opportunity to have both observational and on-orbit telemetry data, the Georgia Tech Research Institute, along with the Georgia Tech School of Aerospace Engineering, are conducting a Strategic Initiative internal research and development effort, the Optical Detection for Space Situational Awareness (ODESSA) program.
ODESSA will expand upon existing and develop new research programs within GT and GTRI. It will:
Demonstrate verified modeling and simulation capabilities for satellites through lab-based measurements, advanced radiometric modeling, and ground-based observations;
Improve satellite signature detection, tracking, and analysis techniques through the advancement of existing low-light detection and tracking algorithms;
Construction of a SSA data archive and database architecture that will enable future research efforts, including SSA-focused machine learning techniques.
In this inaugural report, we provide an overview of ODESSA program and indicate progress on optical characterization and modeling of GT’s cube satellites.
Date of Conference: September 11-14, 2018
Track: Poster