Lightweight Modular Perception Enhancement (LIMPET): A Retrofittable Space Domain Awareness Solution for Rapid Deployment to Strategic Space Assets

In this STTR effort novel design methodologies for a State-of-the-Art Space Domain Awareness (SDA) capability enhancement for existing GEO assets will be identified and explored. Recent developments have included the advent and planned deployment of hostile persistent “inspection” satellites by foreign adversaries. These satellites are designed to “loiter” near US strategic space assets to clandestinely monitor and potentially disrupt capabilities in a first-strike scenario. While spacecraft are equipped with highly tuned precision instruments, most satellites focus on interactions with elements on the ground and are essentially blind to their nearby surroundings. The LIghtweight Modular Perception EnhancemenT (LIMPET) is a retrofittable, independent attachment for a larger host spacecraft that provides SDA or Space Situational Awareness (SSA) of the nearby surrounding environment and enhances survivability for the host spacecraft by reducing collision risk. LIMPET provides agile responsiveness to a dynamic multi-domain threat environment while maintaining high scalability and low costs. The highly skilled proposal team from Katalyst Space Technologies and Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University has been assembled to ensure successful project outcomes and the excellent quality of the deliverables. The team consists of experts in modeling & simulation, connected and autonomous cyber-physical systems, small spacecraft systems design, optical navigation, and orbit estimation. The focus areas of this proposal include the evaluation of sensor classes, attachment systems, collaborative nodal-cluster implementation, and servicer vehicle integration.