James Blake, University of Warwick; Lily Beesley, University of Birmingham; James McCormac, University of Warwick; Don Pollacco, University of Warwick; Robert Airey, University of Warwick; Benjamin Cooke, University of Warwick; Ravindra Desai, University of Warwick; Nina Maric, University of Birmingham; Rebecca McFadden, DEIMOS Space; Morgan Mitchell, University of Warwick; James Osborn, Durham University; Elizabeth Stanway, University of Warwick; Phineas Whitlock, University of Warwick
https://doi.org/10.64861/UQGR4099
Keywords: Neuromorphic, Event-based Camera, Astronomy, SSA, Warning, SDA Systems and Instrumentation
Abstract:
Launch traffic has soared in recent years, as large constellations of satellites have started to take shape. There is growing concern throughout the astronomy community, with satellite streaks becoming an increasingly common source of contamination in long-exposure, wide-field astronomical images. What were once minor nuisances are now threatening to routinely degrade the scientific output of valuable observation time. The problem looks set to worsen, with tens of thousands of satellites due to launch over the coming decade.
Timely and accurate orbital state information is essential for reliably predicting when and where a satellite will encroach upon an observation – qualities that would likewise benefit the space domain awareness community. However, with the rapidly growing catalogue of resident space objects placing significant strain on existing surveillance and tracking systems, orbital states can often be outdated or poorly determined. Large uncertainties associated with forward propagation can render predictive avoidance and static scheduling futile. To combat this issue, we propose a responsive early warning system, capable of swiftly detecting incoming contaminants in advance of their intersection with an astronomical field of interest and thus providing a window of opportunity to either reschedule short exposures or temporarily close the shutter of the instrument to protect longer exposures. By operating locally and responding to detections as they appear, the concept enables dynamic and effective mitigation strategies that preserve observing efficiency while reducing data loss.
Neuromorphic (event) camera technology offers a promising foundation for such a system. Event camera pixels rapidly detect changes in brightness, outputting asynchronous streams of change events with high (microsecond) temporal resolution. They are capable of recording high-cadence information with lower data rates than their frame-based counterparts (e.g., CMOS detectors), both favourable characteristics for a low-latency warning system.
In this work, we carry out a simulation of typical night sky traffic to assess the performance of different warning system configurations comprising event-based fences, spatially offset from a target astronomical field. With a focus on the already mature constellations of Starlink and OneWeb, we examine the warning times achievable for a range of field separations and elevation angles to identify suitable observational strategies. We explore the advantages and disadvantages of event-based sensing when compared with frame-based alternatives, with a particular focus on affordability, scalability, and computing requirements. Lastly, we consider the byproducts of the event-based surveillance that could be exploited for space domain awareness.
Alongside these simulations, we present preliminary findings from the commissioning of a prototype early warning instrument, pairing a latest generation Prophesee EVK4 HD event-based sensor with commercial-off-the-shelf equipment. Through an examination of existing satellite detection algorithms, exploiting the different spatiotemporal signatures of satellites and stars in event stream space, we corroborate the conclusions drawn from the simulations.
Our results demonstrate the potential for event-based early warning systems to provide a dynamic and scalable means of mitigating satellite streak contamination in astronomical images. With constellations set to proliferate further in low Earth orbit, it is essential that astronomers identify and adopt strategies to safeguard valuable observations of an increasingly congested sky.
Date of Conference: September 15-18, 2026
Track: SDA Systems & Instrumentation