Maj Travis Blake (Defense Advanced Research Projects Agency)
Keywords: Systems
Abstract:
The Defense Advanced Research Projects Agency (DARPA) is embarking on a joint program to service spacecraft in Geosynchronous (GEO) Orbit. This ambitious program, known as R5 (Rendezvous, Refuel, Refurbish, Repair, and Reposition), will develop the technologies required to extend the life of billions of dollars of invested in building, launching and operating GEO spacecraft. Inherent in the R5 program, is the need for high quality awareness of the space domain at GEO. Servicing non-operational spacecraft in GEO will require enhanced debris detect/track and space weather monitoring for crew safety, as well as high resolution characterization of the spacecraft to understand the status of the spacecraft to manifest the repair mission. This paper will briefly describe the GEO space domain sensor and data processing requirements to support the R5 program and outline DARPAs program plans to develop these capabilities. Distribution Statement A (Approved for Public Release, Distribution Unlimited). DISTAR case 15410.
Date of Conference: September 14-17, 2010
Track: Systems