Enhanced Spacecraft Survivability

The AEgis Technologies Group, Inc. has developed innovative approaches to enhance the survivability of MDA Space Systems to spacecraft anomalies through the detection and characterization of laser radiation on spacecraft surfaces in real time. We are addressing the current inability to detect and characterize high energy laser (HEL) engagements on satellite targets. AEgis has developed novel sensors and instrumentation for HEL test and evaluation on ballistic missile targets that are very close to being able to meet the project requirements. We have demonstrated PbS quantum dot (QD)-based detectors that are capable of measuring irradiance profiles at wavelengths from 1.0 to 1.3 m. These sensor systems employ an open mesh architecture and micron-scale lithography techniques to achieve good spatial resolution with an extremely low profile that minimizes size and weight impact. High-speed electronics have been developed that allow sensor data acquisition speeds in the kHz range. The sensor system could accurately detect and measure laser irradiance up to 10s of kilowatts per square centimeter, while characterizing the beam in terms of wavelength and source location (terrestrial or space-based, based on satellite telemetry). Such data could be used to trigger defensive tactics or to characterize an attack.