SAPPHIRE IN ORBIT-A LOW COST, AGILE SPACECRAFT FOR SPACE SITUATIONAL AWARENESS

摘要

Knowledge of objects in the near-Earth orbital environment is critical for successful spacecraft operation due to increasingly densely populated orbits. Terrestrial based methods for detecting and tracking Resident Space Objects (RSO), e.g. orbital debris, spacecraft, etc., are limited by atmospheric conditions. A space-based platform can augment terrestrial tracking systems through the ability to be tasked on a 24-hour basis, without lost opportunities due to weather.