Specialized FISST based Estimation Methods to Enhance Space Situational Awareness in MEO and GEO Orbits

Abstract

University of Colorado Grant #: FA9453-15-1-0302 “Specialized FISST-based estimation methods to enhance space situational awareness in MEO and GEO orbits” Abstract The goal of the proposed project is to enhance space situational awareness of objects in the high value regions of space populated by GEO-belt communications and Earth- observation satellites and MEO-region Global Navigation Satellite System (GNSS) satellites. By creating new estimation methods tailored for these regions, the project seeks to improve the potential for ground-based telescopes to return to and precisely track known objects and to detect and characterize new objects that appear in their field of view. The estimation approach centers on proper selection of state representations, full utilization of observations from both cooperative and non-cooperative targets, and an AEGIS-CPHD filter to produce statistically accurate multi-target, multi-sensor solutions. This finite set statistics-based methodology provides the flexibility and rigor to process a large number of sensor observations of a region containing a wide variety of known and unknown objects. The study will provide methods to accurately and reliably monitor the regions of space containing satellites like GPS, Inmarsat, direct broadcast television and satellite radio; which have a direct impact on our daily lives. Such methods will allow threats to critical satellites posed by space debris to be promptly and accurately assessed; thus protecting critical infrastructure while also reducing costly and unnecessary maneuvers to avoid collisions.

Document Details

Document Type
DoD Grant Award
Publication Date
Jul 18, 2016
Source ID
FA94531510302

Entities

People

  • Penina Axelrad

Organizations

  • Air Force Research Laboratory
  • United States Air Force
  • University of Colorado

Tags

Readers

  • Computational Modeling and Simulation
  • Sensor Fusion and Tracking Systems.
  • Space Exploration and Orbital Mechanics.

Technology Areas

  • Space
  • Space - Satellites
  • Space - Space Objects