Affordable Multi-Physics Local Environment (AMPLE) Space Situational Awareness

ABSTRACT: Barron Associates Inc. proposes development of an Affordable Multi-Physics Local Environment (AMPLE) Space Situational Awareness (SSA) system. The solution integrates multiple sensor phenomenologies, unconventional data sources, cross-platform information sharing, and sensor fusion to realize a low size, weight, and power (SWAP) platform that provides operational SSA for high value assets (HVAs) in geostationary orbit (GEO). The AMPLE platform fuses diverse sources into high-quality threat detection and track information, providing the host HVA with actionable knowledge. A key innovation is the employment of advanced data fusion techniques to optimize a sensor architecture for co-orbital SSA. Recent analysis by Barron Associates indicates that a minimalistic on-board sensor suite that takes advantage of diverse phenomenologies may prove adequate when networked data from other SSA assets are integrated within a fusion system. Phase I will include specific recommendations for optical, RF, and effluent sensing hardware; and an employment architecture that leverages this sensor data fusion capability to realize an affordable system. BENEFIT: AMPLE technology transition follows a successful model employed by Barron Associates in past projects that has resulted both in fielding of derived products and technical consulting and R & D services contracts. These vehicles account for a significant portion of Barron Associates revenue, and have largely driven a healthy annual growth rate. The proposed effort will open up new opportunities for providing satellite manufacturers with enhanced spacecraft protection measures. With the recent urgency attached to the defensive counterspace mission, these opportunities should increase significantly in the coming years.