Vision Engineering Solutions presents a comprehensive approach to augment both the optical and radar capabilities of current Space Domain Networks (SDNs).  Augmenting the optical capability will allow tracking, identification and characterization of objects that have little to no radar cross-section.  Augmenting radar observations with optical observations allows for better identification and characterization of larger space objects. This methodology is different than other approaches as it does not rely on using the largest possible aperture like SST.  It relies on an integrated approach that takes into consideration sensor design, data collection, and analysis.

Since our approach relies on smaller (1m class) aperture systems, it is applicable to ground or space based implementations. VES proposes not only conventional imaging sensors, but also unconventional sensors such as polarization, Laser Detection and Ranging (LADAR) and high-speed radiometry. Data fusion of optical and radar data combines the advantages of both types of data: the high angular accuracy of optical data and the high range and Doppler accuracy of radar data. The proposed optical system can determine the position of objects in orbit with an elevation and azimuth tolerance better than 0.0001°, which means that it can determine the angular position of a satellite in LEO to within about a meter.

Modeling and simulation plays an important role as it is used for sensor design, data analysis and orbit determination. Areas that fall under this category are: space object modeling, atmospheric modeling, sensor modeling and SDN modeling.  SDN modeling includes satellite drag, visibility, and network simulation for sensor scheduling. Finally, modeling and simulation based approaches are used for identification, discrimination and characterization of space objects.

The proposed solution uses a multi-pronged approach to optical surveillance:

• Multiple low-cost, meter-class, optical trackers
• Unconventional imaging and non-imaging sensors
• Lasers for tracking and characterization of objects
• Data fusion of radar and optical data
• Novel data analysis methods for discrimination and characterization
• Advanced Modeling and Simulation for system design and data analysis

SERVICES	SUB SERVICES	PROVIDED DATA
LAUNCH IMAGERY	Video for stack integrity Metrics for impact prediction	High resolution imagery (visible or NIR) 3D geolocation (triangulation or angle-angle-range) Roll-pitch and yaw estimation (in real time) best estimate trajectory (in real time)
	Video for Customer Public Relations	High resolution, high definition visible color imagery
	Radiometric and Metric data for engine (or total system) performance	High resolution, radio-metrically calibrated imagery High speed radiometry Metric position and orientation data
	Staging verification	High resolution imagery from down range site
		High resolution, radio-metrically calibrated imagery High speed radiometry Metric position and orientation data
SATELLITE ORBIT DETERMINATION	Initial orbit determination	multiple angle-angle position measurements OR, multiple range only position measurements OR, multiple angle-angle-range position measurements
	Continuous or period updates	multiple angle-angle position measurements OR, multiple range only position measurements OR, multiple angle-angle-range position measurements
SATELLITE HEALTH MONITORING	Initial orbit determination	for large LEO satellites: high resolution imagery for small LEO satellites: analysis of light curves for MEO or GEO satellites: analysis of light curves
	Satellite orientation verification Determination of tumble rates	for large LEO satellites: high resolution imagery for small LEO satellites: analysis of light curves for MEO or GEO satellites: analysis of light curves
	Monitoring for damage (long term monitoring)	for large LEO satellites: high resolution imagery for small LEO satellites: analysis of light curves for MEO or GEO satellites: analysis of light curves
MANEUVER VERIFICATION	On-orbit RCS engine burns (including quick ephemeris recalculation)	High sensitivity, terminator imagery of plumes multiple angle-angle-range position measurements
	LEO to GEO transfer orbit monitoring for:	High sensitivity, terminator imagery for position determination for retro-equipped satellites: range or doppler measurements.
CONJUNCTION ANALYSIS AND PREDICTION	Continuous prediction using catalog data	Continuous updates of catalog for objects and debris Conjunction analysis software.
	refined predictions using on-demand measurements of conjunction objects	multiple, high-resolution, angle-angle-range measurements Conjunction analysis software
SATELLITE LASER COMMUNICATIONS	Ground to LEO lasercomm	user data from satellite to ground station user data from ground station to satelliteGround to GEO lasercomm
	Ground to GEO lasercomm	user data from satellite to ground station user data from ground station to satelliteGround to GEO lasercomm