Ground-based Object Localization at Long Distances

In this effort titled ‘Ground-based Object Localization at Long Distances,’ ExoAnalytic Solutions proposes to use our existing sensor and data processing technology to detect and track man-made objects beyond geosynchronous orbit (GEO), in cislunar space, and to quantify the performance that can be achieved with our COTS-based systems at these ranges. As increasing numbers of actors, both domestic and international, enter the realm of space operations, the region of space beyond geosynchronous orbit – the region sometimes referred to as cislunar space, to denote that it extends from GEO to the orbit of Luna and beyond – will be an operating area for an increasing number of actors, not all of which are benign. The challenge is to provide a Space Domain Awareness (SDA) picture which includes these objects, at a cost and scale which is manageable. Under the HARRIER program, Exo has demonstrated the ability to improve minimum detectable visual magnitude (V-mag) by co-adding frames from multiple co-located small telescopes – enabling autonomous detection and tracking of very dim objects near GEO. This suggests that for tracking objects in cislunar space, ground-based telescopes can make a substantial contribution, if coupled with appropriate investments in detection and tracking algorithms. In this effort, ExoAnalytic will identify a set of suitable targets, conduct a collection campaign with our HARRIER sensor, and perform analysis of the collected data. ExoAnalytic brings our experience developing the multi-frame and multi-sensor image stacking algorithm, and our experience tracking HEO and super-GEO objects such as the recently launched Mission Extension Vehicle (MEV-1). We anticipate the commercialization of this service for potential customers in the Department of Defense and the Intelligence Community as the United States seeks to protect its space assets from threats in GEO and beyond, as well as for potential civil government or commercial customers as NASA returns humans to Lunar space and private entities begin to deliver payloads to the Moon.