Unconventional Wide FOV Sensing Techniques for Space-based Situational Awareness

Computational Physics, Incorporated (CPI) proposes to develop an innovative, unconventional sensing technique for improved detection and characterization of resident space objects and their activities. The chosen sensing technique will be evaluated and verified against both technical and performance requirements applicable to follow-up space experiments or space systems development. Evaluations will be accomplished through detailed sensor modeling and sensor algorithm development. The sensor model and algorithm developed in Phase I will be implemented within a simulation software framework. The simulation framework will facilitate sensor performance analysis for gauging the performance of the sensor algorithm approach under a variety of trajectory scenarios, including LEO direct, GEO direct, and GEO final for both on-board and off-board systems architectures. Following successful demonstration of feasibility and performance, the proposed sensing technique is expected to be of particular value for both military and commercial asset protection. BENEFIT: The Air Force is anticipated to be the primary market for our innovation beyond Phase II. However, sufficient effort will be devoted to secure additional funding from other candidates during the second year of Phase II. Phase III effort will concentrate on a commercial package that can be sold to other military or government projects. A secondary market that will be pursued is the commercial satellite market. Increasing uncertainties in global geopolitics represent new risks to commercial satellite manufacturers and to the companies that insure them. New markets are expected to open for unconventional sensing techniques capable of accurate, long-range monitoring of threats posed to high-value commercial satellites by both foreign adversaries and hostile commercial competitors.