Michael G. Koltiska, United States Air Force, Brandon Pierce, United States Air Force Academy, Carlos Maldonado, Space Physics and Atmospheric Research Center – USAFA, Trey Quiller, Space Physics and Atmospheric Research Center – USAFA, Matthew McHarg, Space Physics and Atmospheric Research Center – USAFA, Bruce Bishop, Air Force Operational Test and Evaluation Center Detachment 4
Keywords: Space Fence, Cubesatellite, Phased-Array Radar, Optical Sensor, Calibration Satellite, Operational Testing
Abstract:
In 2018, a ground-based S-band radar system named Space Fence will undergo operational testing. This radar is designed to discover and frequently track tens of thousands of satellites and debris objects in orbit around Earth. It is challenging to calibrate and test a system meant for discovering small objects, because the only calibration objects in orbit are large. To alleviate this, the Air Force Operational Testing and Evaluation Center is working with the US Air Force Academy and the Space Fence System Program Office to develop a cubesatellite to characterize the radar’s ability to expand the space object catalog’s fidelity. The cubesatellite will eject two small calibration spheres in low Earth orbit to be tracked by the Space Fence System and other sensors. The radar cross sections of the spheres are precisely measured to support calibration of sensors that will track them in orbit. This paper discusses the cubesatellite’s design and on-orbit mission.
Date of Conference: September 19-22, 2017
Track: Poster