Phil Bland, Curtin University; Greg Madsen, Lockheed Martin Space; Matthew Bold, Lockheed Martin Advanced Technology Center; Robert Howie, Curtin University; Ben Hartig, Curtin University; Trent Jansen-Sturgeon, Curtin University; James Mason, Lockheed Martin Advanced Technology Center; Dane McCormack, Lockheed Martin Space; Rod Drury, Lockheed Martin Space
Keywords:
Abstract:
FireOPAL is a distributed optical SSA network providing wide area surveillance with precision tracking in near real time. It employs fully autonomous observatories, taking high resolution images at 10 second cadence throughout the night. Each unit is capable of operating at remote sites for 24 months in a harsh environment. All raw imagery collected over that period is recorded, and an onboard image processing pipeline detects and calibrates the results within a minute of the observations. The network is designed to deliver multiple, simultaneous observations of the same tile of sky from different viewing angles. With a typical distance between units of 150-200km, range can be estimated through triangulation, thereby significantly reducing uncertainties in orbit determination. This networked approach also makes FireOPAL disruption tolerant, eg. for weather. The system traces a direct engineering heritage to the Desert Fireball Network, an Australian planetary science observational facility designed to track meteoroids entering the atmosphere, determine pre-entry orbits, and pinpoint fall positions for recovery by field teams. Engineering an autonomous observatory capable of operating for extended periods at remote sites is an iterative process. In terms of hardware, FireOPAL is the end result of 6 years development of hardened optical systems for the Desert Fireball Network.
Date of Conference: September 11-14, 2018
Track: Optical Systems Instrumentation