Space-Based Imaging Simulation for Resident Space Object Detection
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Solution Overview
Problem
The increasing number of satellites in Earth orbit poses a risk of collisions due to space debris, with over 35,000 objects greater than 10 cm and over 1,000,000 objects between 1 cm and 10 cm in orbit, necessitating effective detection and tracking systems.
Innovation Solution
A method and system for simulating space-based imaging of resident space objects (RSOs) using a processor to receive satellite and RSO configurations, simulate ephemeris data for satellites and RSOs, determine candidate detection events, and generate simulated images based on detectability and image simulation models.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If the number of satellites in Earth orbit is increased to improve space-based imaging coverage and detection capability, then the ability to detect and track RSOs is improved, but the risk of space debris collisions increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs preliminary simulation of satellite imaging scenarios before actual deployment, allowing assessment of detection performance and collision risks in advance. The simulation models satellite ephemeris, sensor configurations, and RSO detectability to predict system performance and identify potential collision hazards before real satellites are launched or activated.
2Measurement precision
If complex simulation models with multiple parameters are used to improve accuracy of RSO detection assessment, then the precision of detection evaluation is improved, but the computational complexity and processing time increase
Solution Approach 1:
The simulation system is divided into separate functional modules: ephemeris simulation generates satellite position data, detectability modeling assesses RSO visibility, and image simulation produces synthetic observations. Each module can be configured independently with appropriate detail levels, allowing users to balance accuracy requirements against computational resources by activating only necessary simulation components.
Data Source
AI summary
Systems and methods of the present disclosure enable simulation of imaging of resident space objects (RSOs) by one or more space-based image sensors. The simulation includes obtaining a satellite constellation configuration having satellite configuration parameters for at least one satellite in a constellation of satellites. The simulation also includes obtaining an RSO configuration having RSO configuration parameters RSOs. The simulation may use the satellite and RSO configuration parameters to simulate constellation ephemeris data for each of the satellites and RSOs. Based on the position of each RSO and satellite, detectability of each RSO by each satellite is simulated based on a photometry simulation using the satellite configuration parameters, including sensor characteristics of a simulated sensor. Imagery may also be simulated based on an image generation model, the sensor configuration, the photometry simulation and at least one background model.