Single Space Optical Platform for RSO Range and Velocity
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional space object detection technologies require multiple optical systems and active signal emissions, making them power-intensive and complex for determining the range and velocity of space objects.
Innovation Solution
A single space optical platform equipped with an optical telescope and spectrometer that passively detects sunlight reflected from space objects, using relativistic Doppler shift and time difference of arrival to calculate range and velocity without active signals, utilizing a database of known spectra for comparison.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If multiple optical systems are used to track a single object for range and velocity determination, then measurement precision is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the measurement functions into two distinct components: a passive optical telescope for angular position measurement and a spectrometer for Doppler shift measurement. This segmentation allows each instrument to specialize in one type of measurement, achieving high precision for both range rate and position without requiring multiple complete optical tracking systems.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent uses the sunlight reflected by the space object as an intermediary carrier that contains both positional and velocity information. By analyzing the spectral properties of this reflected light, the system extracts Doppler shift data that reveals range rate, eliminating the need for active illumination systems or multiple coordinated optical platforms.
2Measurement precision
If active sensors are used to determine range information, then measurement precision is improved, but use of energy increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system uses the space object itself as the light source by detecting sunlight that has been reflected or emitted by the object. This self-service approach eliminates the need for the detecting system to generate its own illumination, thereby avoiding the high energy costs associated with active sensors like radar while maintaining measurement capabilities.
Solution Approach 2:
Sunlight acts as an intermediary energy carrier that transfers information about the space object's position and velocity to the passive detector. The reflected sunlight contains encoded spectral information that can be decoded to determine range rate, providing an energy-efficient alternative to active photon emission.
3Device complexity
If conventional passive sensors are used, then device complexity is reduced, but measurement precision deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent transforms the measurement approach by changing from direct spatial measurement to spectral domain measurement. By measuring the Doppler shift in the frequency domain rather than using complex spatial interferometry, the system achieves high precision velocity and range measurements with a simpler single-platform configuration.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces complex mechanical or multi-system spatial measurement arrangements with a spectral analysis approach. Instead of using multiple optical systems with precise mechanical coordination, the system uses a spectrometer to measure frequency shifts in reflected sunlight, substituting a simpler optical-spectral system for a complex mechanical-spatial system.
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 determination of range and velocity of space objects using a single platform, reducing power consumption and complexity, with improved precision and efficiency compared to conventional methods.
Implementation Method 1
The computing system is also configured to calculate a range rate of the RSO based on a relativistic Doppler shift in a frequency of the spectra of the light from the RSO. The relativistic Doppler shift is determined by comparing the set of absorption lines of the spectra of the RSO with a set of absorption lines from the spectra of the direct sunlight and calculating a difference between the sets of absorption lines.
Implementation Method 2
The light includes sunlight that has been absorbed and emitted, reflected, or both, by the RSO
Implementation Method 3
The light includes sunlight that has been absorbed and emitted, reflected, or both, by the RSO
Implementation Method 4
a spectrometer that is configured to determine spectra of direct sunlight... The spectra include a set of absorption lines
Data Source
AI summary
A single space platform with an optical telescope, a spectrometer, and/or a database of stored spectral information may be used to determine the range and/or velocity of natural or artificial resident space objects (RSOs). Relativistic Doppler shift measured from reflected solar photons and/or photons from other emitting source(s) provides information that the space platform can use to determine the relative velocity and the range rate. This information can then be used in combination with the right ascension and declination angles to perform differential correction and obtain an updated orbit.