Multiple Usage of Existing Satellite Sensors (PREPRINT)

Abstract

Satellites in orbit are subjected to severe environmental extremes and an ever increasing risk of collision with resident space objects. Sensors are becoming necessary to observe and measure the proximity of a satellite to determine the risks posed from kinetically approaching manmade and natural hazards. Space offers a near-perfect vacuum to operate a passive or active sensor. Volume, mass and power on satellites is limited and risk management approaches tended to remove such sensors from satellite systems. However, with newer system engineering approaches, the traditional sensors used for navigation and measurement can be used to sense the environment for hazards. A few examples are developed to illustrate the approach to multiple usage sensors and the potential for obtaining more information from previously single function device.

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Document Details

Document Type
Technical Report
Publication Date
Jan 01, 2006
Accession Number
ADA459022

Entities

People

  • James T. Keeney

Organizations

  • Air Force Research Laboratory

Tags

Communities of Interest

  • Sensors
  • Space
  • Weapons Technologies

DTIC Thesaurus Topics

  • Air Force
  • Air Force Research Laboratories
  • Antennas
  • Artificial Satellites
  • Detection
  • Detectors
  • Engineering
  • Frequency
  • Ground Stations
  • Materials
  • Measurement
  • Military Research
  • Navigation
  • Passive Sensors
  • Space Objects
  • Spacecraft
  • Star Trackers

Readers

  • Aerospace Engineering.
  • Emergency Management and Homeland Security.
  • Systems Analysis and Design

Technology Areas

  • Space
  • Space - Satellites
  • Space - Space Objects