Multi-modal Aircraft Detection and Avoidance System

A robust aircraft detection system must be part of guide star laser operation that is needed for satellite imaging.á The aircraft detection system must provide commands to disable or attenuate the laser before aircraft encroachment into the airspace surrounding the guide star laser.á Currently, aircraft are protected during laser guide star operations involve using a Transponder Based Aircraft Detection (TBADs) system.á áTBAD has a number of limitations that includes inability to precisely determine the location of an aircraft in relation to the guide laser axis, the TBAD antenna is too large for smaller telescopes, and it cannot find aircraft that do not transmit RF signals that TBAD can detect.á Airspace is also monitored with human spotters.á However, spotters can be expensive, distracted and have difficultly spotting aircraft during the day.á To overcome the shortcomings of TBAD and human spotters for aircraft avoidance, Polaris Sensor Technologies, Inc. (PST) will partner with Electro-Optical Solutions (EOS) to develop the Laser GuideStar Aircraft Avoidance System (LAGAS).á LAGAS will combine Mid-wave Infrared (MWIR) and Long-Wave Infrared (LWIR) tracking capability with Automatic Dependent Surveillance-Broadcast (ADS-B) technology to monitor and protect the airspace surrounding the laser guide-star.á The MWIR and LWIR tracking technology for LAGAS is based on previous work developing trackers for High Energy Laser (HEL) weapon systems, and other optical tracking systems integrated into Radar.áá PST and EOS will develop and test LAGAS at the PST facility in Huntsville AL.á A demonstration will be done using the open-air parking deck at PST to demonstrate monitoring and protecting airspace close to the Huntsville International Airport.á After adequate testing and demonstration at PST, LAGAS will installed and tested at a Space Force satellite tracking test site.