Optical cueing for countermeasure system (OCCS)

This proposal discusses development of an innovative laser-based system to support protection of the space-based assets (SBA). The proposed concept enables steady tracking and high pointing accuracy and is capable of selecting and cueing protection countermeasures against adversary space objects (ASO) or a cluster of ASOs. Considering space deployment of the systems with a small form-factor have higher priority for this solicitation as the technology developed under this effort is intended for both ground and space deployment. Thus the system should work autonomously and operate at a long range for space applications. During Phase I of this program we will develop the conceptual system design of the space- based system intended for SBA protection, and determine its expected performance and operating bounds. After using initial modeling for proof-of-principle validation we will define an experimental plan to demonstrate its field applicability and a technology roadmap to facilitate transition to acquisition programs. During Phase II, we will extend the performance capabilities of the proposed system, design and build a breadboard for verifying and optimizing the predicted system performance, demonstrate and refine laboratory operation, and estimate the working envelope. BENEFIT: The technology developed under this effort can be used to counter ground-based or space-based surveillance systems or as a component of the anti-missile defense system. Some of the commercial applications of the product developed under this program can be detection/deterring of unauthorized photography, surveillance and long-range object tracking for security application as well as free-space telecommunication.