Enhanced Space Object Identification: Taking the Guesswork out of LEO Cube Sats

摘要

The proliferation of small and maneuverable objects, particularly in LEO, pose operational risks to USAF, US and international assets. By more efficiently and effectively obtaining track, track custody, and identification of objects, USAF Joint Space Operations Center (JSpOC) Space Situational awareness (SAA) missions could be accomplished with fewer resources more quickly. This paper is aimed at providing an overview of the partial solutions to the vexing problem of proliferation of small and maneuverable objects in Low Earth Orbit (LEO) on the SSA mission. Initial analysis revealed that no document has brought into one place key information or consolidated the key ideas for further discussions on a means to rapidly identify small form factor satellites. In addition, there are nontechnical issues which must be addressed in order to energize additional work on solving LEO proliferation. Such key items which must be addressed are 1. policy development, 2. improved satellite identification (ID) project demonstrations, and 3. spectrum management development By providing a broad background of technical information for LEO small object ID and assessing the technical maturity, those three other topics have a better starting point for community wide discussion and possible resolution.