Utilizing Cubesatellites for Characterization of the AN/FSY-3 Space Fence System and Other Sensors
Abstract
In 2018, a ground-based S-band radar system named Space Fence will undergo operational testing. This radar is designed to discover and frequently track tens of thousands of satellites and debris objects in orbit around Earth. It is challenging to calibrate and test a system meant for discovering small objects, because the only calibration objects in orbit are large. To alleviate this, the Air Force Operational Testing and Evaluation Center is working with the US Air Force Academy and the Space Fence System Program Office to develop a cubesatellite to characterize the radar’s ability to expand the space object catalog’s fidelity. The cubesatellite will eject two small calibration spheres in low Earth orbit to be tracked by the Space Fence System and other sensors. The radar cross sections of the spheres are precisely measured to support calibration of sensors that will track them in orbit. This paper discusses the cubesatellite’s design and on-orbit mission.
The cubesatellite will also benefit optical sensors. The larger sphere will have an optically-measured iridite coating, and the cubesatellite bus will contain LEDs in frequencies that support testing of selected optical sensors. This cubesatellite’s design can be further adapted for use with other new sensor acquisitions and their individual capabilities. Different sized objects could be released at various speeds in any point in the cubesatellite’s orbit to cater to the test requirements. This cubesatellite platform has the ability to provide real-world on-orbit characterization of billion-dollar assets built to protect the USA and its allies, as well as to expand space situational awareness.- Publication:
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Advanced Maui Optical and Space Surveillance (AMOS) Technologies Conference
- Pub Date:
- 2017
- Bibcode:
- 2017amos.confE.100K
- Keywords:
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- Space Fence;
- Cubesatellite;
- Phased-Array Radar;
- Optical Sensor;
- Calibration Satellite;
- Operational Testing