Torbjörn Sundberg, FOI Swedish Defence Research Agency; Matti Nylund, FOI Swedish Defence Research Agency; Ola Rasmusson, FOI Swedish Defence Research Agency
Keywords: SSA, SST, Space Debris, STM
Abstract:
Sweden is considering broad investments in space infrastructure, with the aim of developing the ESRANGE space center into a launch facility for low Earth orbit satellites by 2022 at its core, what is called a SmallSat Express – A future European launch facility for small satellites. With its long heritage of launching sounding rockets and its prime position north of the Arctic Circle, the renewed target will be to lift smaller satellites, up to about 150 kg in weight, into sun-synchronous orbits.
As a part of this push for an extended space launch capacity, Sweden is undertaking several related activities in order take up the role as a launching state. The Swedish space legislation is to be updated; an inquiry committee was initiated in September 2020, and it is set to have its recommendations ready by September 2021. In parallel, the needs and requirements for a national space situational awareness (SSA) capability is under investigation, with focus on the national needs and possible implementations. A national space weather forecast service is also being considered.
This paper outlines the essential components in a future national SSA capability, the progress that has been made thus far, as well as what should be key topics, going forward.
One important aspect is the SSA data processing chain. The ESA SST core software, which is currently being developed under the supervision of the ESA SST User Forum, is considered as one possible tool in this process. Work is currently under way to set up a national test system for software evaluation, both for present and future functionalities.
The Swedish Defence Research Agency (FOI) has developed a space object database for research needs, based on open data. This database is used to identify some of the services, opportunities, requirements and needs that will be relevant for a future operational national capability.
Another important topic is the SSA data provision. Different sensor solutions are being considered nationally. One potential and very promising research data source would be the new EISCAT-3D incoherent scatter radar, which is due to take its first measurements in 2022. This new radar, which is funded and managed through an international research collaboration, is a state of the art-setup with one core transmitter site in Norway and three geographically distributed receiver stations, positioned in Norway, Sweden and Finland. Although the system has been designed, built and funded with atmospheric and ionospheric research in mind, it is apparent that this radar would make a first-class sensor for SSA-related research, in particular for detecting and tracking small debris objects in low Earth orbit. Specifically how this sensor can be used for SSA purposes is however still under investigation.
Another potential solution under consideration is the acquisition of a dedicated SSA radar sensor. In combination with EISCAT-3D, such a sensor could serve as the backbone of the national SSA program, with measurements focused on tracking low earth orbit satellites and larger debris objects. By complementing such a sensor with dedicated observational campaigns with EISCAT-3D for SSA research, Sweden would gain the capacity to make valuable contributions to international efforts in SSA and space traffic management.
Date of Conference: September 14-17, 2021
Track: SSA/SDA