Peter Zimmer, J.T. McGraw and Associates, LLC; John McGraw, J.T. McGraw & Associates, LLC; Mark Ackermann, J.T. McGraw and Associates, LLC
Keywords: optical, SSA, telescope, LEO
Abstract:
Small optical systems are poised to contribute substantial, robust measurements of low Earth orbit (LEO) objects for ground-based space situational awareness (SSA), detecting new objects and monitoring known ones. The physics of these observations is sufficiently different from, and complementary to, the radar systems that have long been the dominant provider of data in this regime.
Numerous constellations of small LEO satellites have been announced for launch in the next few years. If even a fraction these are deployed, the LEO orbital regime will become even more crowded than it already is, with strategic, logistical and economic impacts. Cost-effective optical systems optimized for LEO detection can help address the resulting challenges posed by these constellations. Widely deployed, these optical systems can overcome the inherent limitations of ground-based optical telescopes, primarily weather and Sun illumination conditions, creating a rich, new, cost-effective data source.
Weve previously demonstrated that small, COTS-derived optical systems can detect and measure, in real-time, LEO objects smaller than 10cm. We discuss recent improvements to our fielded optical systems and demonstrate performance as a function of object size and range.
Date of Conference: September 11-14, 2018
Track: Poster