Remote Satellite Diagnostics

"SOpsSim-RSDT is physics based with detailed spacecraft models, orbital environment effects, and an analyst workstation. It models prox-ops of servicing-inspection vehicles with Resident Space Objects (RSOs) as well as ground, airborne, space-based, or RSOattached sensors producing realistic data. It processes real world or simulated signature data. The outputs describe the RSO system state.This proposal emphasizes a single area that should give good early results for Phase I. That is developing the theory, code, and observation data needed to determine current and future attitude motion and mass properties based on images available from theAFRL Starfire Optical Range and then based on optical cross section only. We will test against computer generated images, and then against real field data.Knowledge of attitude motion and mass properties will reveal details of Attitude Control System (ACS) operation and momentum-wheel motion. To demonstrate a new capability enabled by such knowledge, we also examine the case of a spacecraft in a three-axistumble with failed attitude control, requiring external stabilization. We propose a device that flies in formation with the tumbling RSO, latches onto it, and despins it. This is the vital precursor to all servicing scenarios that include lost attitudecontrol. SOpsSim-RSDT anticipated benefits are focused on providing satellite analysts a platform for modeling both cooperative and uncooperative R