B64G1/68

Systems and methods configured for simulating space-based imaging of resident space objects

Systems and methods of the present disclosure enable simulation of imaging of resident space objects (RSOs) by one or more space-based image sensors. The simulation includes obtaining a satellite constellation configuration having satellite configuration parameters for at least one satellite in a constellation of satellites. The simulation also includes obtaining an RSO configuration having RSO configuration parameters RSOs. The simulation may use the satellite and RSO configuration parameters to simulate constellation ephemeris data for each of the satellites and RSOs. Based on the position of each RSO and satellite, detectability of each RSO by each satellite is simulated based on a photometry simulation using the satellite configuration parameters, including sensor characteristics of a simulated sensor. Imagery may also be simulated based on an image generation model, the sensor configuration, the photometry simulation and at least one background model.

Sunlit orbital debris search using hierarchical processing

The present disclosure provides a system that searches for and finds orbital debris that can be a hazard to satellites and the like, for which the debris is sunlit. The system includes a ground-based telescope pointed at the sky; a detector array that detects images of the sunlit debris crossing the field of the detector; and a processing system that computes tracks from the detector data using a hierarchical algorithm, which builds longer tracks from previously computed shorter tracks, determines whether the computed tracks correspond to valid debris detections, and converts the track computations into debris brightness and debris orbital trajectory.

Sunlit orbital debris search using hierarchical processing

The present disclosure provides a system that searches for and finds orbital debris that can be a hazard to satellites and the like, for which the debris is sunlit. The system includes a ground-based telescope pointed at the sky; a detector array that detects images of the sunlit debris crossing the field of the detector; and a processing system that computes tracks from the detector data using a hierarchical algorithm, which builds longer tracks from previously computed shorter tracks, determines whether the computed tracks correspond to valid debris detections, and converts the track computations into debris brightness and debris orbital trajectory.

AUTOMATED DETERMINATION OF COST OWNERSHIP OF SPACE DEBRIS
20250236419 · 2025-07-24 ·

Provided is a method, system, and computer program product for determining a degree of impact caused by space debris. A processor may receive data from a data stream of one or more satellites, the data including observational data of one or more objects in orbit. The processor may determine, based on an analysis of the observational data, that the one or more objects are space debris. The processor may identify, based on the analyzed observational data, ownership of the one or more objects that are determined to be space debris. The processor may determine, using one or more smart contracts, a degree of impact caused by the one or more objects that are space debris, where the degree of impact is attributed to an identified owner of the one or more objects.

AUTOMATED DETERMINATION OF COST OWNERSHIP OF SPACE DEBRIS
20250236419 · 2025-07-24 ·

Provided is a method, system, and computer program product for determining a degree of impact caused by space debris. A processor may receive data from a data stream of one or more satellites, the data including observational data of one or more objects in orbit. The processor may determine, based on an analysis of the observational data, that the one or more objects are space debris. The processor may identify, based on the analyzed observational data, ownership of the one or more objects that are determined to be space debris. The processor may determine, using one or more smart contracts, a degree of impact caused by the one or more objects that are space debris, where the degree of impact is attributed to an identified owner of the one or more objects.

Enclosures for facilitating activities in space, and associated systems and methods
12438106 · 2025-10-07 · ·

Enclosures for facilitating activities in space, and associated systems and methods, are disclosed. A representative system includes a spacecraft having an enclosed interior volume (which can be formed by an inflatable membrane) and one or more unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) carried by the spacecraft and positioned to deploy into the enclosed interior volume. The system can include a remote-control system to control the one or more UAVs from a terrestrial location while the spacecraft is in space. A wireless charging system can provide electrical power to the one or more UAVs. A representative method includes configuring one or more controllers to launch a first spacecraft to a first orbit, launch a second spacecraft to a second orbit, move the first spacecraft to the second orbit, dock the first spacecraft with the second spacecraft, and broadcast an event within an interior volume of the first spacecraft to a terrestrial location.

OPTIMIZED MATCHED FILTER TRACKING OF SPACE OBJECTS

Systems and techniques for the optimized matched filter tracking of space objects are provided. In one aspect, a method of detecting faint objects includes receiving a plurality of telescope images from a telescope imaging system and performing a plurality of computational calculations on the telescope images using a plurality of search parameters to identify one or more objects moving through the telescope images. The number of the computational calculations is reduced by a priori relatively restricting a parameter space of the computational calculations.

OPTIMIZED MATCHED FILTER TRACKING OF SPACE OBJECTS

Systems and techniques for the optimized matched filter tracking of space objects are provided. In one aspect, a method of detecting faint objects includes receiving a plurality of telescope images from a telescope imaging system and performing a plurality of computational calculations on the telescope images using a plurality of search parameters to identify one or more objects moving through the telescope images. The number of the computational calculations is reduced by a priori relatively restricting a parameter space of the computational calculations.

Satellite system with orbital debris avoidance

The present disclosure provides a satellite system with orbital debris avoidance. In one embodiment, the satellite system includes debris sensor circuitry to scan orbital debris items in an orbital debris field; and sensor controller circuitry to determine a search window within the orbital debris field based on, at least, uncertainties associated with a velocity of the satellite (Vsatellite) and uncertainties associated with a velocity of at least one debris item (Vdebris), the sensor controller circuitry also to control the debris sensor circuitry to detect the at least one debris item within the search window.

Satellite system with orbital debris avoidance

The present disclosure provides a satellite system with orbital debris avoidance. In one embodiment, the satellite system includes debris sensor circuitry to scan orbital debris items in an orbital debris field; and sensor controller circuitry to determine a search window within the orbital debris field based on, at least, uncertainties associated with a velocity of the satellite (Vsatellite) and uncertainties associated with a velocity of at least one debris item (Vdebris), the sensor controller circuitry also to control the debris sensor circuitry to detect the at least one debris item within the search window.