Satellite Vulnerability Detection via Engagement Volume Visualization
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
The vulnerability of satellites to co-orbiting space-based interceptors poses a significant challenge due to the unpredictability and rapidity of potential threats, necessitating timely prediction and countermeasures.
Innovation Solution
A system and method that visually and textually represent the vulnerability of a satellite to a space-based interceptor by determining an engagement volume based on the launch platform's position and velocity vectors, impulsive velocities, and maximum time-of-flight, alerting operators to potential threats and enabling targeted platforms to maneuver or deploy countermeasures.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If pre-analysis is performed to predict vulnerability, then satellite survivability is improved, but response time is reduced to precious few minutes
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs pre-analysis of potential intercept trajectories and establishes engagement volumes before threats materialize. By calculating possible intercept points and vulnerability zones in advance based on the carrier platform's orbital parameters and the interceptor's performance characteristics, the system prepares vulnerability assessments proactively, allowing satellites to maneuver or deploy countermeasures during the brief vulnerable window when an interceptor is launched.
2Loss of information
If visual representation of intercept volume is provided, then operator awareness is improved, but system complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system creates a visual copy or representation of the three-dimensional engagement volume by plotting intercept points on a two-dimensional display. Instead of directly presenting complex orbital mechanics data, the system generates a simplified visual map showing the spatial distribution of potential intercept locations, allowing operators to quickly grasp threat geometry and satellite vulnerability without being overwhelmed by raw computational data.
Data Source
AI summary
A system and method for detection of anti-satellite vulnerability of an orbiting platform. An engagement volume processing unit receives a maximum impulse velocity of an SBI launched from a carrier platform of interest, a maximum time of flight (TOF) until intercept, and orbital data of the carrier platform of interest. A family of interceptor imparted velocities in a VNC frame is determined. The engagement volume processing unit applies the family of velocities over “N” release points using a carrier platform propagator to determine an engagement volume. A display and alert processing unit generates a visual representation of the engagement volume and sends the visual representation to the display device for display.