Space Object Tracker Combining Imaging and LIDAR Ranging
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional ground-mounted facilities are inefficient in tracking space objects, particularly small-sized resident space objects, due to atmospheric interference and limited detection capabilities, leading to incomplete information retrieval and impaired mission planning.
Innovation Solution
An object tracker equipped with an imaging unit and a light detection and ranging (LIDAR) unit that captures images and emits laser beams to determine attributes of space objects, including a transmitter, receiver, and processing circuitry to accurately track and measure angular position and range.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of manufacture
If ground mounted facilities are used to track space objects, then infrastructure simplicity is maintained, but detection capability deteriorates due to atmospheric interference
Solution Approach 1:
The patent transitions from ground-based tracking to space-based tracking by deploying the tracking facility in orbit. This dimensional change from Earth's surface to space eliminates atmospheric interference, enabling detection of small-sized RSOs that are invisible from ground level while maintaining operational simplicity through standardized satellite platform integration.
2Duration of action of stationary object
If ground mounted facilities operate during rainfall or snowfall, then continuous monitoring is attempted, but sensor performance deteriorates due to atmospheric conditions
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the tracking facility from the Earth's atmosphere by deploying it in space. This removal eliminates the harmful atmospheric conditions (rainfall, snowfall) that degrade ground-based sensor performance, ensuring continuous and reliable monitoring regardless of weather conditions on Earth.
3Device complexity
If imaging unit alone is used to detect RSO attributes, then system complexity is minimized, but information completeness deteriorates due to limited detection capabilities
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges two complementary detection systems: an imaging unit for capturing visual information and determining angular position, and a LIDAR unit for measuring range through laser time-of-flight. This combination provides complete three-dimensional positioning information (angular position + range) that neither system could achieve alone, significantly improving information completeness.
4Use of energy by stationary object
If ground mounted facilities track space objects, then operational cost is reduced, but tracking coverage deteriorates to only 4% of lethal space objects
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs multiple space-based tracking facilities deployed in different orbital positions to achieve comprehensive global coverage. This multi-platform approach in space enables tracking of all lethal RSOs regardless of their orbital characteristics, in contrast to the limited 4% coverage achievable from ground level.
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
The object tracker effectively tracks small-sized space objects, providing comprehensive information for improved space mission planning and operational capabilities in various environmental conditions.
Implementation Method 1
The imaging unit is configured to capture one or more images of space around the object tracker to search for a resident space object (RSO) in the space
Implementation Method 2
the LIDAR unit is coupled to the imaging unit and configured to activate upon receipt of the first set of attributes from the imaging unit such that the LIDAR unit emits, based on the first set of attributes, a laser beam towards the RSO to determine a second set of attributes of the RSO
Implementation Method 3
The receiver is configured to receive reflected version of the laser beam upon striking of the laser beam with the RSO. The photodetector, based on the laser beam and the reflected version of the laser beam, determines the second set of attributes
Data Source
AI summary
Disclosed is an object tracker (106) having an imaging unit (202) and a light detection and ranging (LIDAR) unit (204). The imaging unit (202) is configured to capture one or more images of space around the object tracker (106) to search for a resident space object (RSO) (102a) in the space. Upon detection of the RSO (102a), the imaging unit (202) determines a first set of attributes of the RSO (102a). The LIDAR unit 204 is configured to activate upon receipt of the first set of attributes from the imaging unit (202) such that the LIDAR unit (204) emits, based on the first set of attributes, a laser beam towards the RSO (102a) to determine a second set of attributes of the RSO (102a).