Feasibility Study of Extracting Range Data From Resident Space Objects Using In-Orbit Observers

Abstract

An accurate knowledge of the satellites, space debris, and other objects orbiting Earth is critical to mission planning and avoiding on-orbit collisions. Numerous ground and space-based space situational awareness platforms have been developed to aid in the identification and tracking of these objects, collectively known as resident space objects. While orbital space situational awareness satellites are ideal for identifying and tracking space debris, many other satellites have sensors that may be able to contribute to our space situational awareness capabilities. This research examines the feasibility of leveraging several different existing sensor technologies to aid in identifying and tracking resident space objects. Specifically, we investigate methods that can provide range measurements between the observing platform and the resident space object.