Satellite Tracking with Neuromorphic Cameras for Space Domain Awareness
Abstract
A significant number of objects orbit the space around Earth. Each of these objects, be it debris, a functioning satellite, or even a staffed space station, circle the planet at extreme speeds relative to most objects on the Earth's surface. Any collision would result in disaster thanks to the extreme amount of kinetic energy involved. Space Domain Awareness (SDA) includes the detection, identification, cataloging, and tracking of orbiting objects to prevent such catastrophes. SDA is maintained in multiple ways to include radar, lidar, telescopes, and other sensors. This research investigates the maturing technology of neuromorphic cameras to determine their applicability to SDA. The DVS240C camera was integrated with two telescopes to assess its ability to perform astrometric measurements and observations of satellites for orbit updates. The findings show that astrometry was difficult to conduct with this setup and more analysis is needed with different equipment to better assess this style of cameras astrometric capabilities. This research did find that orbit updates are possible and that this technology provides angle rate data not attainable with frame-based CCD cameras.
Document Details
- Document Type
- Technical Report
- Publication Date
- Mar 25, 2021
- Accession Number
- AD1139414
Entities
People
- Joseph G. Jr Bacon
Organizations
- Air Force Institute of Technology