System and method for monitoring space objects in orbit

A combined radar and optical sensor system optimizes space object monitoring by using optical sensors for comprehensive, low-cost tracking and radar systems for precise tracking, addressing resource saturation and cost issues in existing radar systems.

FR3162284B1Active Publication Date: 2026-05-22LOOK UP SPACE
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Patent Information

Authority / Receiving Office
FR · FR
Patent Type
Patents
Current Assignee / Owner
LOOK UP SPACE
Filing Date
2024-05-14
Publication Date
2026-05-22

AI Technical Summary

Technical Problem

Existing ground-based radar systems for monitoring space objects face resource saturation and high costs when dealing with increased space traffic, as deploying more systems is costly and increasing observation windows leads to accuracy loss.

Method used

A combined system of ground-based radar and optical sensors, where optical sensors provide comprehensive, low-cost monitoring and radar systems focus on precise tracking, using control units to determine optimal radar antenna pointing directions.

Benefits of technology

This approach allows for efficient, cost-effective monitoring of space objects, particularly those capable of maneuvering, by reducing radar system workload and enabling precise tracking without standby mode, thus conserving resources.

✦ Generated by Eureka AI based on patent content.

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Patent Text Reader

Abstract

A monitoring system (1) for an orbiting space object (5) comprising a ground-based radar system (2) (7) including an antenna (6) with a controllable pointing direction for moving a space observation window (11) within a field of view (12), the pointing direction having a predetermined value (Zref) associated with the space object (5), the monitoring system (1) comprising ground-based optical sensors (3) (7) and a control unit (4) configured to determine a first orbital restitution (O1) from first positions (P1) of the space object (5) measured by the optical sensors (3), and, if the first orbital restitution (O1) crosses the field of view (12) of the radar system (2) outside the space observation window (11) associated with the predetermined value (Zref) of the pointing direction, to determine a command for the pointing direction of the antenna (6). Abstract figure: Figure 1
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