Ballistic and Flying Object Finding/Identifying/Tracking Software

To address the MDA need for optimal methods for finding, fixing, tracking, and identifying ballistic and flying objects in cluttered space environments, Physical Optics Corporation (POC) proposes to develop new Ballistic And Flying Object Finding/Identifying/Tracking (BAFOFIT) software. This proposed software system is based on: 1) a novel photogrammetric model, 2) a high-speed coregistration procedure, and 3) a software toolset for self-adaptive clutter rejection and optimal filtering. The BAFOFIT system will offer reliable detection and tracking of small, distant, and dim targets using scanning and staring sensors installed on geostationary and low-orbit satellites of the SBIRS-High, STSS, and SBSS systems. In Phase I POC will demonstrate the feasibility of BAFOFIT by implementing image processing (geometric transformation and clutter suppression) functions using C++ and optimal filtering through MATLAB for the most significant clutter sources and imaging configurations. In Phase II POC plans to develop a real-time operational BAFOFIT prototype, covering an extended set of clutter and imaging configurations, and deployable at MDA facilities.