Ryan Hiles, Omitron, Inc.; Amos Alexander, U.S. Space Force; Nicholas Herzer, U.S. Space Force; Diana McKissock, U.S. Space Force; Aaron Mitchell, U.S. Space Force; Jontahan Sapinoso, U.S. Space Force
Keywords: Space Domain Awareness, Conjunction Assessment, Reentry Assessment
Abstract:
The rapid proliferation of low-Earth orbit satellite constellations came to full into full-force in 2020. The primary difference in these deployments involved the number of simultaneous deployments, the frequency of deployments, and the scaled use of electronic propulsion for orbit-raising. We examine the impacts of this emerging philosophy on the ongoing space surveillance efforts and the improvements made to date to accommodate this new environment. Starting with pre-launch conjunction assessment, new approaches to safety have been adopted to blend risk mitigation practices, system capabilities, and screening responsiveness. During the launch phase, existing processes of Space Surveillance Network sensor management and tasking also evolved to ensure custody of all newly launched objects as well as the existing space catalog. This also drove changes during the object separation phase which required new orbital modeling techniques and analyst expertise to distinguish the clustered objects in a short period of time. Novel approaches towards user ephemerides, in addition to rapid software upgrades, enabled a new field of orbital analysis which will soon dominate the efforts of resident space object custody. The increase of payloads and data also increased the volume of orbital conjunction assessment data, driving changes to operational and user interaction to reach a more collaborative solution while ensuring safety of operations in the space domain. Finally, the increase in satellites has driven an increase in reporting as satellites re-enter the atmosphere prompting a more efficient approach on how these events are managed and reported.
Date of Conference: September 14-17, 2021
Track: SSA/SDA