Ammy Cardona, Space Systems Center, Development Corps; Anthony Rosati, Space Systems Center Special Programs Advanced Integration; Donn Murray, Space Systems Center, Special Programs Space Based Optical; Janelle Moran, Science Applications International Corporation (SAIC); Heather Ginsburgh, Emolbi;
Keywords: Hosted Payloads, Space Domain Awareness, SDA Enterprise, QZSS, Architecture, International, Custody, Change Detection, I&W, GEO, MEO, SSN
Abstract:
SMC/SPGZ is developing future hosted payload architectures leveraging technology from the Quasi-Zenith Satellite System-Hosted Payload (QZSS-HP) program to minimize costs and maximize Geosynchronous/Medium Earth Orbit (GEO/MEO) Space Domain Awareness (SDA) capabilities. The QZSS-HP meets Chief of Space Operations (CSO) strategic intent of Allied partnerships for shared operational gain. The SMC portfolio architect and Space Force emphasis for small satellite and low cost payload capabilities has driven future focus to affordable and highly capable solutions for SDA. This includes alternative solutions for hosting capabilities on commercial, international, and U.S. government satellites. A hosted payload architecture can provide high-interest object custody, enable change detection, and Indications and Warning (I&W) for GEO. QZSS-HP uses key technologies in using Time Delay Integration (TDI) techniques to improve detection of objects closer to the sun, smaller optics with improved sensitivity, common interfaces, and significant onboard mission processing. GEO-based optical sensors augment the Space Surveillance Network (SSN) by allowing load-shedding from other sensors to increase revisit times over important regions of interest. Future resilient architectures are key to augmenting programs such as Space Based Space Surveillance (SBSS) Follow-On, GEO Space Situational Awareness Platform (GSSAP), and our ground SDA infrastructure. These all are focused at driving down costs while still pursuing advanced technology capabilities for all weather SDA capabilities in deep space that can be placed on any satellite with available Size, Weight, and Power (SWaP). The future hosted payload efforts will be presented along with the future contributions to the space surveillance mission to include potential international collaboration.
Date of Conference: September 14-17, 2021
Track: SSA/SDA