Passive Electro-Optical Tracking of Resident Space Objects for Distributed Satellite Systems Autonomous Navigation
Year: 2023
Type: article
Abstract: Autonomous navigation (AN) and manoeuvring are increasingly important in distributed satellite systems (DSS) in order to avoid potential collisions with space debris and other resident space objects (RSO). In order to accomplish collision avoidance manoeuvres, tracking and characterization of RSO is crucial. At present, RSO are tracked and catalogued using ground-based observations, but space-based space surveillance (SBSS) represents a valid alternative (or complementary asset) due to its ability to offer enhanced performances in terms of sensor resolution, tracking accuracy, and weather independence. This paper proposes a particle swarm optimization (PSO) algorithm for DSS AN and manoeuvring, specifically addressing RSO tracking and collision avoidance requirements as an integral part of the overall system design. More specifically, a DSS architecture employing hyperspectral sensors for Earth observation is considered, and passive electro-optical sensors are used, in conjunction with suitable mathematical algorithms, to accomplish autonomous RSO tracking and classification. Simulation case studies are performed to investigate the tracking and system collision avoidance capabilities in both space-based and ground-based tracking scenarios. Results corroborate the effectiveness of the proposed AN technique and highlight its potential to supplement either conventional (ground-based) or SBSS tracking methods.
Source: Remote Sensing
DOI: 10.3390/rs15061714
Institutions: Khalifa University of Science and Technology, RMIT University
Language: English
Subfield: Aerospace Engineering
Field: Engineering
Domain: Physical Sciences
Open Access status: gold
Estimated APC paid: $2,780
OpenAlex ID: W4353065743