Multi-Plane Telescope Arrays for Space Debris Trajectory Detection
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current methods for detecting and tracking space debris and other moving objects in space face challenges such as the difficulty in covering wide areas, managing different altitudes and trajectories, dealing with light interference, and high implementation costs, particularly in detecting small objects and maintaining accurate trajectory calculations.
Innovation Solution
A system comprising multiple arrays of telescopes with controlled orientations and fields of view, combined with image processing, to detect and track moving objects by analyzing image trails across multiple telescopes, reducing the need for extensive coverage and minimizing light interference.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Area of stationary object
If a single wide-field telescope is used to cover large areas, then the detection field is expanded, but the ability to track objects at different altitudes and trajectories is compromised
Solution Approach 1:
The system divides the detection task into multiple specialized telescope arrays, each covering a specific arc in a particular plane. Instead of using one wide-field telescope, the patent segments the sky coverage into multiple planes (P1, P2, etc.) with each plane containing multiple telescopes oriented at different angles, allowing simultaneous tracking of objects at different altitudes and trajectories while maintaining specialized optimization for each sector
Solution Approach 2:
The patent adds the dimension of multiple spatial planes by distributing telescope arrays across different planes (P1, P2, P3) that are perpendicular or at angles to each other. This multi-planar arrangement enables the system to track objects across different altitudes and orbital paths simultaneously, transforming a two-dimensional field-of-view problem into a three-dimensional coverage solution
2Adaptability or versatility
If multiple telescope arrays are deployed to cover different areas and altitudes, then tracking capability is improved, but system complexity and implementation cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
Each telescope array is designed to be multi-functional, capable of detecting and tracking objects across a range of altitudes and trajectories within its assigned plane. The arrays can detect space debris, satellites, and even low-altitude objects like aircraft and drones, providing universal coverage for different object types and orbital parameters without requiring separate specialized systems for each category
Solution Approach 2:
The system employs dynamic control of telescope orientations and fields of view to adapt to different detection needs. The telescopes can adjust their pointing directions and focal settings to track objects at varying altitudes and speeds, allowing the fixed physical infrastructure to dynamically respond to different tracking requirements and reducing the need for additional hardware
3Measurement precision
If integration time is increased to detect small debris, then detection sensitivity is improved, but the spread of tracks over pixels increases making trajectory calculation more difficult
Solution Approach 1:
The system optimizes the integration time parameter specifically for detecting small space debris, using longer integration times to enhance sensitivity for faint, small objects. Simultaneously, the multi-planar telescope geometry and image processing algorithms compensate for the increased track spread by providing multiple viewing angles and enabling more accurate trajectory reconstruction from the distributed track data across different telescope arrays
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
The system effectively tracks and calculates the trajectories of moving objects, including small debris, by enhancing detection capabilities across various altitudes and reducing costs through optimized telescope arrays and image processing.
Implementation Method 1
Each telescope being equipped with a photosensitive sensor periodically delivering an image I
Data Source
Figure 1
AI summary
This invention discloses a system for detecting the path of moving objects. It comprises: - a first network of N1 telescopes which each have a field angle of M1 degrees and are orientated to cover an arc of C° in a plane P1, M1 being between 1 and 4°, N1 being greater than C/M1, the observation angles ALPHAN1 of each of the telescopes being in a plane P1, - at least a second network of N2 telescopes which each have a field angle of M2 degrees and are orientated to cover an arc of C° in a plane P2, M2 being between 1 and 4°, N2 being greater than C/M1, the observation angles ALPHAN1 of each of the telescopes being in a plane P2 perpendicular to P1 comprising the observation axis of the stellar reference object, - the orientation of the telescopes being controlled in order to maintain the intersection between the planes P1 and P2 in the axis of a reference object, - at least a third network of N3 telescopes which each have a field angle of at least M3 degrees and are orientated to cover a conical segment of 360° with an elevation E3 between (180 - C)/2°, M3 being between 1 and 4°, N3 being greater than 360/M3, - each of the telescopes being provided with a photosensitive sensor which periodically supplies an image I.