Advanced Space Situation Awareness Processing (AS2AP)

The detection, identification, and tracking of space objects has become increasingly crucial, particularly highlighted by the recent activities of the U.S. X-37B spaceplane and the Chinese Shenlong (Divine Dragon) spaceplane. These types of spacecraft are capable of performing multiple altitude and orbital changes while conducting experiments and handling payloads, exemplify the dynamic nature of spacecraft operations both by the United States and its adversaries in Earth orbit and cislunar space. Space Force General B. Chance Saltzman has emphasized the significance of these objects and the need for vigilant monitoring.Ā The primary challenge lies in effectively identifying and tracking these spacecraft, requiring a comprehensive understanding of their historical paths, propulsive capabilities, commodity levels, previous movements, and the ability to accurately predict recent and upcoming maneuvers. This is critical for maintaining space situational awareness (SSA)Āand ensuring strategic advantages in space operations. To address this challenge, the proposed KODA Technologies/Purdue University Phase I effort aims to develop a sophisticated space object propulsion database integrated with an advanced tracking model. The integrated system, Advanced Space Situational Awareness Process (AS2AP), is designed to rapidly identify objects in low earth orbit (LEO). AS2AP combines detailed information on space objects' propulsion systems with a high-fidelity tracking algorithm, enabling accurate and timely identification of space objects. The propulsion database will include comprehensive data on various spacecraft and space objects, encompassing both foreign and domestic technologies. It will utilize multiple information sources. The system will also leverage tools like those offered by Orbitron and ExoAnalytic Solutions to gather historical and current positional data. The tracking model, a key component of AS2AP, is based on advanced algorithms that can adapt to the dynamic and often non-cooperative behavior of space objects. It incorporates stochastic hybrid systems (SHS) formulations, allowing the fusion of various data sources, including historical information and optical sources, to enhance tracking accuracy. The integrated AS2AP system will be subjected to rigorous testing using both benchmark cases and actual test data, ensuring its effectiveness in real-world scenarios. This initiative represents a significant advancement in space situational awareness, offering a powerful tool for the rapid and accurate identification of space objects, thereby bolstering national security and space operations capabilities. The AS2AP has broad appeal to OEMs working in the SSA arena, commercial applications, as well as government organizations.Ā