Space Surveillance Telescope (SST)
Abstract
The Space Surveillance Telescope (SST) program has developed and demonstrated an advanced ground-based optical system to enable detection and tracking of faint objects in space, while providing rapid, wide-area search capability. A major goal of the SST program, to develop the technology for large curved focal surface array sensors to enable an innovative telescope design combining high detection sensitivity, short focal length, wide field of view, and rapid step-and-settle to provide orders of magnitude improvements in space surveillance has been achieved. This capability enables ground-based detection of un-cued objects in deep space for purposes such as asteroid detection and space defense missions. The system transitioned to Air Force Space Command (AFSPC). The SST Australia effort developed advanced algorithms, equipment, and concepts of operation to achieve comparable telescope performance in the more challenging Australian atmosphere. This enhanced capability was demonstrated at White Sands Missile Range, allowing estimates of the performance in Australia to be validated. This program addressed technical challenges which arise from an Australian site, including adaptations to a different telescope environment.
Document Details
- Document Type
- Accomplishment
- Publication Date
- Oct 01, 2018
- Source ID
- eb3e16dcf087cda23b3dea4630b0af15