John McGraw, J.T. McGraw and Associates, LLC, Mark R. Ackermann, JTMA, Peter Zimmer, JTMA
Keywords: ssa, optical, telescope, LEO, GEO, wide field
Abstract:
Space Situational Awareness (SSA) is fundamentally based upon surveillance of the variety of objects moving in Earth orbital space: functioning satellites, derelicts, and space debris. Optical telescopes provide a significant fraction of all data for the surveillance of space, and virtually all data on GEO and related objects. Starting with an operational definition of surveillance of space (SoS), we discuss:
The unique role of wide-field imaging in acquiring surveillance data
The detector-driven optical design of small, wide-field telescopes that produce data capable of providing high signal-to-noise images and tracks in the presence of detector and complicated background noise
Multiple sky tracking and detector readout combinations to optimize object detection from LEO through GEO
The approach to real-time image data processing capable of enabling rapid analysis and decision-making, as needed.
Specifically, we describe the fundamental physics associated with the design of optical surveillance cameras based upon small aperture, wide field-of-view telescopes which we have designed. Critical performance issues include uncued detection of new and/or un-cataloged objects to faint limiting magnitudes (V > 18 at LEO), including initial orbit determination, and the capability to survey large areas of the sky (such as the CONUS GEO belt of approximately 1800 sq. degrees) to faint limiting magnitudes (V = 18) every two hours. The goal is to convert these data into actionable information in very near real-time.
Initial data demonstrating and supporting our surveillance of space system designs and design goals will be presented.
Date of Conference: September 15-18, 2015
Track: Optical Systems