Innovative Laser-based Cueing Technology for Space Protection Countermeasures

ABSTRACT: SA Photonics FALCON Space Situational Awareness (SSA) cueing system provides long range detection of space objects objects to enable rapid and high accuracy cueing of counter measures. FALCON incorporates world class digital low light passive sensing coupled with high performance image processing to enable long range detection of very small space objects. The passive sensors cue a very high performance fiber laser source LIDAR system to precisely determine range and range-rate of the objects. The information from the LIDAR system then can be used to rapidly cue countermeasures. The passive and active sensors are co-aligned into a compact package. FALCON enables detection of space objects as small as 4 inches at ranges up to 200 km for clustered space objects. For isolated spaced objects against a slow moving star field, detection is achieved at ranges greater than 400 km. FALCON utilizes several key technologies including our BeamDirector beam steering solution which provides high accuracy beam pointing with full hemispherical coverage. Coupled with our innovative and compact Origami Optics, high resolution low noise sensor and advanced image processing techniques, FALCON provides unsurpassed detection capabilities for long distance space objects. BENEFIT: The flexibility of the FALCON system allows it to be applicable to multiple military applications. Those noted in this proposal include multiple satellite, airborne, and naval platforms as well as ground based applications. FALCON provides long range situational awareness in a compact, low power form factor allowing for use applications where traditional systems cannot be used. FALCON will then enable the enhanced protection of American assets by enabling early detection of potential incidents allowing effective counter measures to be taken.