Improving Space Surveillance with Space-Based Visible Sensor

Abstract

The Midcourse Space Experiment satellite was launched in 1996. A principal sensor on board the satellite is the Space-Based Visible (SBV) sensor, a visible-band electro-optical camera designed at Lincoln Laboratory. The program has just completed three years of Contributing Sensor operations under the Advanced Concept Technology Demonstration (ACTD) program. The SBV has transitioned to an operational sensor under Space Command sponsorship. This paper describes recent modifications, made under the ACTD program, to both spacecraft and ground systems that have increased the productivity of the sensor from 200 deep space tracks/day to over 350 tracks/day. The onboard SBV software has been modified to utilize the redundant signal processor to process information in parallel. A new mode of operations has also been implemented that exploits the geometry of geosynchronous orbits to provide a very efficient coverage of the geosynchronous belt. Details of these modifications and initial results will be provided.

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Document Details

Document Type
Technical Report
Publication Date
Apr 01, 2001
Accession Number
ADA400541

Entities

People

  • Andrew Wiseman
  • George Zollinger
  • Jayant Sharma

Organizations

  • Massachusetts Institute of Technology

Tags

Communities of Interest

  • Space

DTIC Thesaurus Topics

  • Artificial Satellites
  • Charge Coupled Devices
  • Data Processing
  • Deep Space
  • Focal Planes
  • Geosynchronous Orbits
  • Geosynchronous Satellites
  • Orbits
  • Redundant Components
  • Resident Space Objects
  • Signal Processing
  • Space Based
  • Space Objects
  • Space Surveillance
  • Spacecraft
  • Surveillance

Readers

  • Defense Acquisition Program Management
  • Sensor Fusion and Tracking Systems.
  • Space Exploration and Orbital Mechanics.

Technology Areas

  • Space
  • Space - Satellites
  • Space - Space Objects