Ingo Waldmann, Spaceflux; Marco Rocchetto, Spaceflux; Samuel Dal Dosso, Spaceflux; Marcel Debczynski, Spaceflux, A. Tsiaras, Spaceflux
Keywords: Daytime, SSA, SDA, characterisation, SWIR, infrared
Abstract:
Daytime Space Situational Awareness (SSA) is increasingly important as the orbital environment becomes increasingly more complex to model. Continuous tracking of Resident Space Objects (RSOs) in a crowded space is essential for maintaining a sustainable and secure space environment. Daytime observations significantly enhance custody, reducing tracking gaps that typically occur post-dawn and pre-dusk for optical sensor systems. Here, we present results from our novel infrared optical system dedicated to daytime optical SSA. We have demonstrated excellent detectability of Low Earth Orbit (LEO) objects during daylight hours, achieving consistently high signal-to-noise ratios and notably extending the observational window for Geostationary Orbit (GEO) satellites into daylight hours. In early operations, we have achieved observations of LEO targets throughout the day and GEO observations to over 15 degrees sun elevation, beating all existing results in the literature.
Central to this capability is the large primary mirror’s collecting area (70cm diameter aperture) paired with our dual-sensor design, which incorporates a SWIR detector (InGaAs array, 0.6–1.7 µm) alongside a CMOS sensor for visible imaging (0.4–1.0 µm). A comprehensive suite of optical and infrared filters supports precise spectral fingerprinting, enhancing the system’s ability to characterise RSOs.
Spaceflux’s advanced software platform, Cortex, powers our infrared sensor. It integrates cutting-edge data analysis algorithms with sophisticated machine learning and artificial intelligence techniques, facilitating real-time RSO detection, fingerprinting and comprehensive spectrophotometric characterisation during night and daytime operations. Initial operational results from our dedicated observatory in Spain—selected for its favourable weather and minimal light pollution—confirm robust system performance, validating our approach as a transformative advancement for both daytime and nighttime SSA. This represents a significant advance in daytime SSA/SDA capabilities currently available to the community.
Date of Conference: September 16-19, 2025
Track: SDA Systems & Instrumentation