Innovative Laser-based Cueing Technology for Space Protection Countermeasures

SA Photonics is pleased to propose the FALCON space situational awareness system (SSA). The system combines high sensitivity passive sensors with a high performance compact LIDAR. The combination allows long range detection of ASOs along with precision object range and range rate determination. The FALCON also incorporates SA Photonics advanced optical beamsteering that enables micro-radian pointing on millisecond time scales. The FALCON effort leverages SA Photonics Phase II and Phase III programs in LIDAR systems, precision beam steering, and advanced fiber laser sources to result in a small form factor solution. BENEFIT: FALCON will provide a compact form factor solution for the detection of ASOs. This will drive the acceptance of SSA/cueing systems onto DoD satellites. The FALCON architecture allows a high degree of flexibility enabling a large degree of "future proofing" as characteristics of objects of interest change.