Low Cost Deployable Calibration Structure

The U.S. has an inadequate capability to precisely calibrate ground and space-based Space Situational Awareness (SSA) sensors (U.S. SOSI system) with objects of known signatures. There is a need for a low cost, space-based capability that provides simultaneous electro-optical (EO), infrared (IR), and radio-frequency (RF) characteristics to calibrate the U.S. SOSI system. This enhanced U.S. SOSI system capability will enable the U.S. to maintain our space capabilities for executing space control missions, ensuring freedom of action in space, and supporting defensive space control (DSC) by providing the ability to detect and characterize an attack and timely determine object/owner intent capability and intent. Combining the attributes of consistent targets for simultaneous observation of EO, IR and RF in a simple calibration target has not been achieved by inflatable targets to date. Combining CTDs TEMBO® shape memory composites, Raytheon Corporations proprietary technology, and a radar corner reflector into the proposed Q-Sphere these requirements can be achieved, and at a reasonable cost. BENEFIT: Combining these optical, RF, and IR attributes into a single, inexpensive and robust target requires a simple deployment system that can expand the target from a compact stowed format and maintain the deployed shape indefinitely on orbit. This technology can also be utilized as a rapidly deployed decoy to mitigate against external satellite threats.