Joy Shohdy, Advanced Scientific Concepts; Robert Karl, Advanced Scientific Concepts; Brad Short, Advanced Scientific Concepts; Ricardo Delgadillo, Advanced Scientific Concepts LLC; Bruce Anderson, Advanced Scientific Concepts; Alex Sandoval Mathamba, Advanced Scientific Concepts; Michael Dahlin, Advanced Scientific Concepts
Keywords: Space Domain Awareness, SDA, Flash LiDAR, configurable, machine learning, organized point cloud
Abstract:
The key challenge in real-time space situational applications is the ability of an in-space sensor to detect, classify, and track non-cooperative resident space objects (RSOs). The crucial real time parameters required for autonomous threat assessment and response include relative position, orientation, and 3D velocity between the in-space sensor and the RSO. Conventional situational awareness sensor suites composed of visible / IR imaging and scanning LIDAR sensors lack the precision necessary for timely and accurate RSO assessment data and typically have high Size, Weight, and Power (SWaP) penalties.
ASC’s Global Shutter Flash LiDAR (GSFL) addresses this challenge. A compact solid-state LiDAR camera, GSFL captures range and intensity in organized point cloud data format. The camera has been involved with both in-orbit and deep space operations, earning it a Technology Readiness Level 9 (TRL-9). The space-qualified GSFL can be adapted for various distances, making it suitable for real-time space situational awareness tasks like Space Domain Awareness, Debris Removal, Satellite Servicing, Characterization, and Tracking of both Non-Cooperative and Cooperative Threats.
These various applications can be accommodated through just two main camera configurations, each designed to fit within manageable SWaP budgets. Each configuration is customized with a unique field of view and laser divergence, optimized to fulfill specific objectives. The first is a short-range option (150 m to 5 km) suitable for Servicing and Proximity Operations. The second is a long-range option (1.3 km to 60 km) tailored for Debris Removal and Characterization. These configurations can also cater to intermediate and far-range imaging, primarily optimized for Tracking and Classification. The paper delves into the optimization of each configuration for its intended use and presents expected performance outcomes.
The innovative aspect of Global Shutter Flash LiDAR is its ability to gather a full frame of 3D organized point cloud data with each laser pulse. It employs a diffuser to illuminate the entire field of view, eliminating point cloud blurring or distortion. This feature is vital for real-time applications. The structured and correlated nature of organized point cloud data is ideal for artificial intelligent / machine learning (AI/ML) processing. The point cloud data from each frame is analogous to a snapshot from a 2D camera with the addition of range data included for each pixel. The GSFL has a 128×128 focal plane array (FPA) which is suitable for most applications, but due to the solid-state design, the GSFL data can be easily fused with an electro-optical (EO) sensor to create even higher resolution images. Recent research focuses on noise filtering and AI/ML algorithms for target detection, classification, and tracking. These AI/ML algorithms can be reconfigured on-orbit for optimal sensor performance in specific RSO scenarios, and data fusion can enhance algorithm performance.
In summary, the paper explores ASC’s Global Shutter Flash LiDAR’s capability to address the challenge of real-time space situational awareness. By adapting the camera to various configurations and integrating AI/ML algorithms, it offers precise and timely data for tasks like RSO tracking, classification, and threat assessment. The research emphasizes optical optimization, performance expectations, and data fusion potential, showcasing the camera’s potential for space applications.
Date of Conference: September 19-22, 2023
Track: SDA Systems & Instrumentation