Optimal Constellation Design for Maximum Continuous Coverage of Targets Against a Space Background

Abstract

Modern space situational awareness is focused on the detection, tracking, identification, and characterization of passive and active resident space objects. In the past, this process relied primarily on ground-based sensors. However, difficulties arise when smaller, more distant, or otherwise dim objects are considered. Space based sensors may help alleviate some of these difficulties. The work funded under this award has focused primarily on optimal design for a constellation of space based sensors to support the goals of space situational awareness. To that end, the work leverages concepts from computer graphics to analyze sensor coverage strictly from a numerical perspective, enabling a unique design approach that is adaptable to any sensor network for situational awareness applications.

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Document Details

Document Type
Technical Report
Publication Date
May 31, 2012
Accession Number
ADA565295

Entities

People

  • Andrew Takano
  • Belinda Marchand

Organizations

  • University of Texas at Austin

Tags

Communities of Interest

  • Air Platforms
  • Materials and Manufacturing Processes
  • Space

DTIC Thesaurus Topics

  • Algorithms
  • Artificial Satellites
  • Computational Science
  • Computer Programming
  • Computers
  • Constellation Design
  • Geosynchronous Orbits
  • Grids
  • Satellite Constellations
  • Satellite Orbits
  • Situational Awareness
  • Space Based
  • Space Objects
  • Space Situational Awareness
  • Spacecraft
  • Three Dimensional
  • Two Dimensional

Readers

  • Aerospace Engineering.
  • Radar Systems Engineering.
  • Systems Analysis and Design

Technology Areas

  • Space
  • Space - Satellites
  • Space - Space Objects