Satellite Pointing Law Optimization for Space Object Detection
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current space surveillance systems face limitations in detecting small space objects due to limited field of view and atmospheric disturbances, leading to inefficient collision avoidance maneuvers and high operational costs.
Innovation Solution
A method for determining a pointing law for satellite observation instruments that extends over an orbital period, considering orbital parameters, observability criteria, and spatio-temporal distributions to optimize the scanning of space objects, using a cost function to maximize new object detection.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If space surveillance is carried out by terrestrial systems (radars, lidars, optical telescopes), then detection of space objects is possible, but detection capability is limited to objects larger than 5-10 cm for LEO orbits due to minimum detection size constraints
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces an intermediary approach by using a satellite in orbit as a platform for observation, rather than relying solely on terrestrial systems. The satellite carries observation instruments that can detect smaller space objects (down to 5mm for LEO) by exploiting solar illumination diffused by the space objects, overcoming the minimum detection size constraint of terrestrial systems while maintaining the ability to surveil space objects in orbit
2Measurement precision
If observation instruments use small instantaneous field of view to maintain resolution, then detection precision is improved, but scanning efficiency and coverage are reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies dynamics by determining a pointing law that dynamically adjusts the observation instrument's field of view and scanning strategy over time. The system adapts the instantaneous field of view size and scanning pattern based on the spatio-temporal distribution of space objects, allowing the instrument to maintain high detection precision for resolved objects while efficiently scanning larger areas to detect smaller unresolved objects, thus resolving the contradiction between precision and productivity
3Reliability
If collision avoidance maneuvers are executed based on detected space objects, then protection against space objects is improved, but operational costs increase due to propellant consumption and service interruptions
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements feedback by continuously monitoring the spatio-temporal distribution of space objects and using this information to optimize the pointing law of observation instruments. The system feeds back the detected distribution data to adjust future scanning strategies, improving detection accuracy and reducing false alarms. This enables more reliable collision avoidance decisions based on accurate space object tracking while minimizing unnecessary maneuvers that would consume propellant and interrupt satellite services
Data Source
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AI summary
The present disclosure relates to a method for determining at least one pointing law, in a time window, for an observation instrument of at least one EO satellite (20) searching for EO space objects (50), the determination method comprising: - determining, from a list of space objects, space objects that are observable from the at least one satellite in an observation window, the duration of which is equal to or greater than the duration of the time window; - determining, in the time window and in a given satellite reference frame, referred to as the observation reference frame, a space-time distribution of the space objects that are observable in the observation window from the at least one satellite; - determining a pointing law for the observation instrument, in the time window and in the observation reference frame, according to the space-time distribution.