Space Object Integrated Detection And Tracking (SOIDAT) Algorithm

ABSTRACT: Team ATA proposes to develop a FISST-based holistic integrated framework (FHIF) for multi-target detection, tracking, identification, and characterization (DTIC) of space objects. Space objects proliferate in the near-Earth space environment. These objects range from operational satellites used for commercial communications or scientific studies to pieces of debris generated by launch vehicles, delamination of the on-board spacecraft materials, and accidental/intentional collisions. The ever-increasing number of space objects creates a need for the development of new algorithms capable of fusing and exploiting space surveillance data sources to improve the ability to detect, track, identify, and characterize man-made space objects. Current algorithmic approaches to the space object cataloguing problem treat the sub-problems of detection, tracking, identification, and characterization separately, which can lead to a loss of information. Ideally, the sub-problems should be treated as interdependent through the use of a holistic integrated framework, such as the finite-set statistics (FISST) framework. Additionally, current methods employ unnecessarily restrictive assumptions, such as linearity and Gaussian distribution of uncertainty within the filtering problem, which do not enable appropriate application to the problem of estimation for space objects. BENEFIT: Team ATA has been developing technology for the U.S. Government and Aerospace contractors since 1975. During this time, we have developed outstanding relationships that we will leverage to bring integrated detection, tracking, identification, and characterization algorithms to market. ATA"s success in generating additional revenue tied to our Phase I and Phase II SBIR projects has allowed ATA to grow and expand its business through Phase III commercialization and other spin-off contracts. As reported in the ATA Company Commercialization Report, we have received 43 Phase I SBIR awards and 21 Phase II awards. ATA"s track record for commercialization of SBIR sponsored technology development is excellent, resulting in Commercialization Achievement Index of 90 and related cumulative revenues from sales and additional investments of over $42 million. Team ATA"s effort will culminate in a new suite of software implementations that combines state-of-the-art technologies in detection and tracking to comprise an integrated approach suitable for autonomous operation of a space surveillance network producing higher accuracy orbit and uncertainty estimates. One of the recommendations from the Committee for the Assessment of the U.S. Air Force's Astrodynamic Standards is that research efforts be put into improving the representation of uncertainty to ensure realism in estimations of uncertainty. Our developed software products will help to mitigate the current deficiencies encountered when attempting to reacquire previously tracked objects after long periods of no data, as well as more efficiently utilize existing sensors (and hence reduce the cost of operations) tasked with observing space objects by more accurately representing the uncertainty of space objects.