ORBIT DETERMINATION & IMAGE PROCESSING OF NEUROMORPHIC DATA FOR SPACE DOMAIN AWARENESS (SDA)

This project seeks to develop a comprehensive simulation and analysis framework for evaluating neuromorphic event-based vision sensors (EVS) in space situational awareness (SSA) applications, a cutting-edge innovation designed to address the Department of Defense's need for improved orbit determination (OD) of resident space objects (RSOs). The proposed work will leverage synthetic data generation, advanced orbit determination algorithms, and comparative analysis techniques to create a robust solution that offers enhanced performance in tracking space objects. The technical merit of this approach lies in its combination of high-fidelity sensor modeling, event-based data processing, and quantitative performance assessment, emphasising innovation in applying neuromorphic sensing to SSA challenges. Objectives and Approach: The primary objectives include developing a synthetic data generation pipeline for both CMOS and EVS observations, implementing orbit determination algorithms for event-based data, and conducting comparative analysis of OD performance. These milestones represent a clear, stepwise progression toward delivering a technology that exceeds current standards in tracking accuracy, update frequency, and data efficiency for SSA applications. DoD Benefits: This effort directly supports the Department of Defense's mission by enhancing space domain awareness capabilities. Specifically, it will contribute to improvements in orbit determination accuracy and efficiency, enabling more effective space traffic management and enhancing space safety. By advancing the application of neuromorphic sensing to SSA, the proposed framework will provide critical support to the DoD's objectives of improving space object cataloging and enhancing national security in the space domain. Expertise and Team Strength: The project will be led by a team with expertise in space systems, orbit determination algorithms, and neuromorphic sensing technology. The team's depth in event-based vision systems and space domain awareness ensures the capability to meet the ambitious technical objectives of assessing and optimizing neuromorphic sensors for SSA applications. Commercialization Potential: Beyond its military applications, the developed technology has broad commercialization potential in both defense and private sectors. Within the defense market, it can be applied to satellite tracking, collision avoidance, and space debris monitoring. In the private sector, this technology holds potential applications in industries such as commercial space operations, launch services, and satellite communications, where it addresses key challenges like improving space object tracking accuracy and efficiency.