A Highly-Efficient and Scalable Conjunction Assessment Framework for On-Orbit Spacecraft Protection

Scout Space Inc. proposes to further develop and operationalize its novel in-space conjunction assessment technology to enhance space traffic management (STM) and autonomous self-protection capabilities for critical space assets. The Phase I feasibility study demonstrated the efficiency of Scout’s innovative conjunction analysis approach, achieving orders-of-magnitude improvements in computational performance compared to conventional techniques. In Phase II, Scout will refine the method by incorporating perturbation corrections for orbit dynamics, enhancing the accuracy and applicability of the technology across Low Earth Orbit (LEO) and Geosynchronous Earth Orbit (GEO). The project will focus on integrating the solution with existing space traffic management systems, establishing a framework for real-time conjunction assessment, and developing onboard implementations for autonomous maneuver planning. The culmination of this effort will be the demonstration of an operational prototype capable of providing rapid, precise, and scalable collision risk assessments to protect national security space assets from both debris and adversarial threats.