Orbit Determination via Energy Shadow Detection
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current methods for determining the orbits of resident space objects are ineffective for objects that do not reflect energy or are coated to minimize visibility, posing a risk for uncontrolled reentries and potential damage.
Innovation Solution
A system and method utilizing energy shadows to determine the orbits of resident space objects, including those that do not reflect energy, by calculating the shadow centroid location, minor and major axes, and energy divergence angle, and using these parameters to compute the object's altitude, position, and velocity.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If current methods such as radar and laser range finding are used to determine orbits, then orbit determination is effective for reflective objects, but it becomes ineffective for objects that do not reflect energy or are coated to minimize visibility
Solution Approach 1:
The invention converts the harmful effect of energy absorption by dark-coated objects into a beneficial detection mechanism. Instead of relying on reflected energy, the system detects the shadow cast by the object when it passes through the energy beam, transforming the object's energy-absorbing property into a detectable shadow signal that enables orbit determination for previously undetectable objects
Solution Approach 2:
The invention introduces an intermediary detection mechanism - the shadow - that mediates between the energy source and the detector. Rather than directly detecting the non-reflective object, the system detects the shadow it casts, which carries information about the object's position and allows orbit determination without requiring the object to reflect energy
2Measurement precision
If traditional energy reflection methods are used, then detection works for bright objects, but fails for dark-coated or energy-absorbing resident space objects
Solution Approach 1:
The invention inverts the traditional detection approach: instead of detecting energy reflected from the object, it detects the absence of energy (shadow) caused by the object blocking the energy beam. This inversion allows detection of dark-coated objects that are invisible to traditional reflection-based methods
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
Enables accurate and efficient orbit determination of resident space objects, even those that do not reflect energy, enhancing early warning systems for reentry predictions and reducing the risk of damage from uncontrolled reentries.
Implementation Method 1
a) obtaining from a resident space object's having an energy shadow, a shadow centroid location for said energy shadow
Data Source
AI summary
The present invention relates to a resident space object orbit determination system comprising a high efficiency module for determining a resident space object's orbit and a highly efficient method for determining same. Applicants developed a method and system to determine the orbits of residence space objects including resident space objects that do not reflect energy that is directed at them and/or may be coated to minimize the ability to accurately see such resident space objects. Thus, a method, a module and a system for making such determinations that can easily and inexpensively be added to an early warning reentry system is provided.