Rapid Mission Planning for Desirable Viewing Conditions

ABSTRACT: Space Situational Awareness is concerned with the physical characteristics, capabilities, operations, health, and potential threats posed by space objects. This information is gathered largely via radar and optical data collection facilities. Due to the increasingly large number of space objects and relatively limited number of collection facilities, it's important that collection operations are scheduled to maximize the likelihood of gathering mission-relevant data. The objective of this effort is to enhance data collection planning activities by implementing innovative capabilities into an existing AFRL mission planning system. These capabilities are specifically designed for the SSA mission. Where possible critical capability will be adopted from existing and proven AFRL GOTS software.; BENEFIT: The Phase II effort will result in a stable, deployed, accepted product with applicability to a large number of DoD telescope sites. Our product will put into the hands of mission planners the ability to use physics-based models for planning data collection events. Our focus on stability and testing will build confidence in the product and deliver cost savings due to effective and accurate satellite observation scheduling.