Space Situational Awareness is the foundational element of space superiority, and is the knowledge of space objects, events
and the status of satellites. It entails keeping track of all objects in space and understanding how the space picture is
changing over time. Space Situational Awareness encompasses the following disciplines:
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Resident space object (RSO) tracking. Any attempt to fully characterize objects in space includes collecting tracking data
and performing orbit determination on unknown space objects. AGI’s Orbit Determination Tool Kit (ODTK) fuses ground-based
SSN observations and space-based observations to produce orbit estimates and time-varying covariance information.
A subset of RSO tracking in an area of special interest is geostationary belt tracking. Users can leverage AGI's
STK/Coverage Standard Analysis Module to perform search pattern studies and analyze different space platform
configurations to understand RSO tracking coverage capabilities.
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Improved orbit estimation. Using AGI’s Orbit Determination Tool Kit with its optimal sequential filter and smoother,
users are able to estimate satellite orbits and derive realistic covariance data based upon correlated error source
processing. This improved orbit estimation can then be used to more accurately assess on-orbit performance and on-orbit
conjunctions and the effects of maneuvers.
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Maneuver detection. Operations personnel need to monitor spacecraft and understand where they are and when they have
maneuvered, as well as the efficiency of those maneuvers. Included in maneuver detection is the study of asset
deployment to ensure proper space surveillance sensor coverage. This data is used to analyze, visualize, and predict
space events. AGI’s unique tools allow operators to detect change in orbits for tracked objects and perform maneuver
detection and reconstruction.
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Conjunction assessments. As the number of tracked space objects grows, the ability to rapidly perform accurate
conjunction assessments becomes more critical. Using the STK Professional Edition and the
STK/Conjunction Analysis Tools (STK/CAT) Specialized Analysis Module, forces can ensure that high-priority assets remain
protected. An example of this technology application in everyday use is the SOCRATES Web site.
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Rendezvous and proximity operations. This includes self-inspection, autonomous control, and maneuver planning. AGI's
trajectory design tools allow users to design, plan, and analyze far-field rendezvous and near-field proximity
operations. Designers can take advantage of plug-in engine models to study and simulate closed-loop proximity
operations maneuver control and to determine variables such as delta-v, fuel budgets, and control-loop stability.
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Debris modeling. Any attempt to build and maintain a comprehensive understanding of space objects must include the
modeling of space debris. Using the USAF catalog of tracked objects, combined with STK/CAT, users can rapidly analyze the potential for close approaches, including taking into
account user-specified, time-varying covariance information for their satellite. By combining this analysis with AGI's
maneuver planning tool, STK/Astrogator, users can derive and trade off strategies for
debris collision mitigation.
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Space picture. This discipline, sometimes referred to as space order of battle, involves keeping track of blue, red, grey,
and commercial assets, along with their operational status. By using real-time telemetry data and other measurements to
monitor the health and operational status of these assets and fusing these data sets, an overall picture is maintained
and displayed, providing operators with a situational awareness tool.
Products which support Space Superiority analysis
Contact spacesuperiority-solutions@agi.com for information
regarding specific technical solutions
and implementations.
