NeuTON: Neuromorphic Telescope for Orbital detection at Nighttime for objects in geosynchronous orbit

The objective of the NeuTON (Neuromorphic Telescope for Orbital detection at Nighttime for Objects in Geosynchronous Orbit) project is to develop a neuromorphic camera system for space domain awareness (SDA) to detect and track satellites in geosynchronous orbit under low signal-to-noise and low photon environments. Traditional CCD and CMOS cameras face limitations such as restricted dynamic range and temporal resolution, making them less effective for continuous monitoring of Resident Space Objects (RSOs). In contrast, neuromorphic event cameras offer asynchronous detection of brightness changes with low latency and reduced data volumes, significantly improving initial orbit determination time. However, these cameras face challenges in performance under low-light conditions and achieving the required field of view with commercial off-the-shelf (COTS) sensors. The project proposes to address these challenges by using optical means to improve sensor performance in low-light environments and achieve the necessary field of view. In Phase I, the effort will focus on trade studies to assess system performance, validating the optical enhancement concept, and designing optical and electronic solutions for Phase II implementation.