Reconnaissance Satellites Research Articles

Reconsidering the Overlooked Threat of North Korea's Outer Space Activities: Focusing on the Menace of Militarization and Weaponization of Outer Space

What security implications do North Korea's purported peaceful space activities have? North Korea's recent launch of a reconnaissance satellite not only raises concerns about its nuclear weapons program but also has broader implications for international security. The nuclear threat posed by North Korea is certainly growing. However, there seems to be an overlooked security threat in North Korea's space initiative: the threat of militarization and weaponization of outer space. Therefore, the security policy toward North Korea must be changed comprehensively to address the militarization and weaponization of space, as North Korea's threats can be transformed by the use of space. North Korea's destructive weapons and strategies, such as EMP attacks and space hybrid operations, are not prohibited, even when they appear to be aligned with the outer space legal regime. Hence, rather than concentrating only on nuclear weapons, this study proposes that a fundamental shift in policy is required.

Automated static magnetic cleanliness screening for the TRACERS small-satellite mission

Abstract. The Tandem Reconnection and Cusp Electrodynamics Reconnaissance Satellites (TRACERS) Small Explorers mission requires high-fidelity magnetic field measurements for its magnetic reconnection science objectives and for its technology demonstration payload Magnetometers for Innovation and Capability (MAGIC). TRACERS needs to minimize the local magnetic noise through a magnetic cleanliness program such that the stray fields from the spacecraft and its instruments do not distort the local geophysical magnetic field of interest. Here we present an automated magnetic screening apparatus and procedure to enable technicians to routinely and efficiently measure the magnetic dipole moments of potential flight parts to determine whether they are suitable for spaceflight. This procedure is simple, replicable, and accurate down to a dipole moment of 1.59 × 10−3 N m T−1. It will be used to screen parts for the MAGIC instrument and other subsystems of the TRACERS satellite mission to help ensure magnetically clean measurements on orbit.

Support Vector Regression-Based Operational Effectiveness Evaluation Approach to Reconnaissance Satellite System

As one of the most important part of weapon system of systems (WSoS), quantitative evaluation of reconnaissance satellite system (RSS) is indispensable during its construction and application. Aiming at the problem of nonlinear effectiveness evaluation under small sample conditions, we propose an evaluation method based on support vector regression (SVR) to effectively address the defects of traditional methods. Considering the performance of SVR is influenced by the penalty factor, kernel type, and other parameters deeply, the improved grey wolf optimizer (IGWO) is employed for parameter optimization. In the proposed IGWO algorithm, the opposition-based learning strategy is adopted to increase the probability of avoiding the local optima, the mutation operator is used to escape from premature convergence and differential convergence factors are applied to increase the rate of convergence. Numerical experiments of 14 test functions validate the applicability of IGWO algorithm dealing with global optimization. The index system and evaluation method are constructed based on the characteristics of RSS. To validate the proposed IGWO-SVR evaluation method, eight benchmark data sets and combat simulation are employed to estimate the evaluation accuracy, convergence performance and computational complexity. According to the experimental results, the proposed method outperforms several prediction based evaluation methods, verifies the superiority and effectiveness in RSS operational effectiveness evaluation.

Imaginary Intelligence Via Satellites

This article gives basic information about all types of satellites. The types of satellites reveal the functions, purposes and applications. Information is provided on the sections required to use a satellite. The features of reconnaissance satellites are characterized. Analytical factors of satellite imagery, their pros and cons were compared. The role and functions of satellite imagery in current and probable future wars are declared.

Competitive observance by the Russian Federation and the USA of the 1967 Outer Space Treaty

Introduction. Thе Russian Federation and the USA, being parties to the 1967 Outer Space Treaty, in their national legal acts refer to this source. Each of these states recognizes that the 1967 Outer Space regime is to be perfected, while having different legal outer space policy. The USA is a leader of the military outer space infrastructure and of creation national outer space legislation and separate international agreements (“The Artemis Accords”), thus imposing its own track to develop the 1967 Treaty.Materials and methods. This research addresses relevant international documents on international space law as well as acts of national legislation pertaining to the topic. Research results. In modern political conditions the quality of a state defense and its economic development is linked to the efficiency of the outer space infrastructure, including communication and reconnaissance satellites. While the U.S. intends to achieve military supremacy in the outer space, the 1967 Treaty seems to be a barrier to such intention although the U.S. provides its own interpretation of the Treaty. Another significant area of competition between Russia and USA in the outer space legal policy is the observance of the natural resources treaty provisions. According to the USA, a state is entitled unilaterally exploit the space resources, and its persons are entitled to commercial use of such resources based on national law. This position of the United States resulted in creation of its national legislation opportunities for natural resources activities in outer space. The Russian Federation continues to defend multilateral approach to the exploitation of space resources and to call upon strictly observance of the 1967 Outer Space Treaty. There are also competitive legal positions of the USA and Russia relating to the notion of “common province of mankind” provided by the 1967 Treaty.The main results. In this context, the paper after providing prolegomena to the competitive principle in international law, suggests some theoretical ideas for perfecting of the legal position of the Russian Federation as a response to the modern outer space legal policy of the USA.Discussion and conclusions. In the legal literature on this issue different views are assessed – from a radical rejection of the US model of behavior and continuation of efforts to strengthen the 1967 Treaty regime, to proposals to adopt a new national Russian legislation providing rights of persons to exploit the natural resources of celestial bodies, thus provid-ing incentives for private investors. This track leads to more competition with the USA, observing at the same time the 1967 Treaty as the “corpus juris specialis”.

전운량을 고려한 정찰위성 작전효과 분석 방법론 연구: ① 북한지역 전운량 빅데이터 분석을 통한 취약요인 분석

전운량을 고려한 정찰위성 작전효과 분석 방법론 연구: ① 북한지역 전운량 빅데이터 분석을 통한 취약요인 분석

전운량을 고려한 정찰위성 작전효과 분석 방법론 연구: ② 위성관측 취약요인에 기반한 정찰위성 작전효과 분석

전운량을 고려한 정찰위성 작전효과 분석 방법론 연구: ② 위성관측 취약요인에 기반한 정찰위성 작전효과 분석

Research on user requirements preprocessing of imaging reconnaissance satellites

Aiming at how to solve the problem of optimal matching between imaging reconnaissance user requirements and satellite resources, this paper conducts research on the preprocessing of imaging reconnaissance satellite requirements. First, considering the remote sensor type and resolution of imaging satellites, a requirement-resource matching matrix is constructed to realize the preliminary matching between user requirements and imaging reconnaissance satellite resources. Secondly, starting from the time constraints, by calculating the observation time window of requirement and resources, the time requirements of satellite resources and user requirements are matched. Finally, in order to solve the problem that the same observation task can be completed by multiple imaging satellites, a conflict resolution method based on resource consumption is proposed, which effectively improves the preprocessing ability of user requirements.

동맹국의 정찰위성 보유가 확장억지에 미치는 영향

A revolution in military affairs(RMA) is expected to have a significant impact on militarized interstate disputes. Recent researches show that ballistic missiles, unmanned attack vehicles, and drones affect many aspects of militarized disputes. However, there is few research on the effect of the RMA on extended deterrence. In this study we analyze the effect of military surveillance technology on extended deterrence. In particular, we focus on the presence or absence of allies with reconnaissance satellites because reconnaissance satellite is a technology that can effectively alleviate uncertainty of information compared to other reconnaissance assets. Considering Fearon’s(1995) argument that wars occur because of uncertainty of information and commitment problem, reconnaissance satellites may be able to alleviate these problems with satellites characteristics such as high durability, stability, and few international legal restriction. Results of this study demonstrate that states having allies with reconnaissance satellites capabilities are less likely to be targeted in large scale militarized disputes with 100 or more casualties than states without having allies with reconnaissance satellites capabilities.

Research on requirement fusion of imaging reconnaissance satellites

Aiming at the problem of how to improve the requirement satisfaction of multi-point target imaging reconnaissance tasks and the utilization efficiency of satellite resources, a multi-point target imaging reconnaissance requirement fusion method based on genetic optimization is proposed in this paper. Firstly, the basic constraints that can be fused between multi-point targets are analysed, and on this basis, a point-target synthetic observation model is constructed. Secondly, considering the constraints of observation time window, observation angle and transition time between synthetic tasks, a genetic algorithm-based multi-point target requirements fusion method is designed. Finally, through the simulation analysis, it is concluded that with the continuous increase of user requirements, the fusion method based on genetic optimization can still achieve better task satisfaction to the user’s imaging requirements, which greatly improves the use efficiency of imaging satellites.

Research on evaluation indices and calculation method of experimental design

AbstractIt is important to design the experiment for promoting efficiency and saving costs in engineering. With multiple design methods available, selecting a suitable experiment design is essential. However, evaluating different experimental designs poses a significant challenge. This article summarizes existing evaluation indices comprehensively and constructs an evaluation indices system of experiment design, offering a wide range of evaluation and comparison criteria. The evaluation indices system solves the problem of the inability to systematically compare different experimental designs. For indices that cannot be calculated directly, we propose three algorithms, namely, the Monte Carlo method, the coarse‐fine granularity combination method, and the spatial discretization method, to get the approximation of these indices. Then, three different designs of an on‐orbit reconnaissance satellite are compared by using the proposed evaluation indices and algorithms, including uniform design, D‐optimal design, and sequential design. We employ a radar chart to combine multiple indices for comprehensive comparison and find that D‐optimal design is the best choice. The feasibility of the experimental design evaluation index system is verified by case application. In addition, we use JMP to validate the correctness of the proposed method.

TRICE‐2 Rocket Observations in the Low‐Altitude Cusp: Boundaries and Comparisons With Models

AbstractThe launch of the Twin Rockets to Investigate Cusp Electrodynamics‐2 (TRICE‐2) took place on the morning of 08 December 2018. The two rockets of this campaign each sampled the low‐altitude Northern Hemisphere cusp region at approximately the apex of each rocket's trajectory (1,042 and 757 km for the High flyer and Low flyer, respectively). Ion and electron electrostatic analyzers (ESAs) on board each rocket measured in situ particle populations throughout the flights. Energy‐flux spectrograms of ions and electrons from each ESA clearly show the passage of each rocket through the cusp region. This work examines the locations of these entrance/exit points in relation to cusp models as provided in and compiled from the published literature, along with a discussion of model variables that have been optimized to best fit the cusp region boundary sampling locations by TRICE‐2. The results of this study set the stage for understanding the upcoming NASA Small Explorer Tandem Reconnection and Cusp Electrodynamics Reconnaissance Satellites orbital plane intersections with (i.e., “trajectory cuts” through) the cusp region.

The Satellite Coverage Analysis is Based on a Combination of STK and MATLAB

In maritime military operations, reconnaissance satellites can provide all-around and efficient reconnaissance and surveillance of target areas in established orbits, regardless of territorial, airspace, and territorial sea restrictions, and are a beneficial means of leadership in today's military. STK can construct satellite motion models, and MATLAB can invoke the STK function module to achieve complex scene generation. The two are combined, respectively, with Walk Constellation grouping and single-satellite simulation of specific target areas at sea, resulting in coverage analysis reports with good results.

A proposal for the usage of reconnaissance satellites to monitor international human and wildlife trafficking hotspots

The last two decades that brought about valuable advancements in spatial resolution capabilities on satellites give rise to critical opportunities to protect life on Earth. Human and wildlife trafficking occurs at devastating levels all over the world, most without being properly addressed. In this proposal, I have listed various recommendations to portray how a new structure could be implemented to use reconnaissance satellites to monitor international human and wildlife trafficking by having hotspot areas for these crimes under 24-h surveillance by the International Telecommunication Union (ITU), utilizing the highest performance limit. There comes a point where political affiliations and implications need to be put aside and concern for the protection of human rights and animal welfare needs to be front and center in decisions being made. We cannot, in good conscience, make technological advancements in space that have the means to track and reduce human and animal suffering, and not use them due to geo-political disagreements.

Restoration of the distribution of pit-type Yaodong dwellings in the 1970s using US military reconnaissance satellite images in Luoyang Basin, China

Restoration of the distribution of pit-type Yaodong dwellings in the 1970s using US military reconnaissance satellite images in Luoyang Basin, China

Restoration of the distribution of pit-type yaodong dwellings in the 1970s using US military reconnaissance satellite images in Luoyang Basin, China

Restoration of the distribution of pit-type yaodong dwellings in the 1970s using US military reconnaissance satellite images in Luoyang Basin, China

A Pipeline for Automated Processing of Declassified Corona KH-4 (1962–1972) Stereo Imagery

The Corona KH-4 reconnaissance satellite missions from 1962-1972 acquired panoramic stereo imagery with high spatial resolution of 1.8-7.5 m. The potential of 800,000+ declassified Corona images has not been leveraged due to the complexities arising from handling of panoramic imaging geometry, film distortions and limited availability of the metadata required for georeferencing of the Corona imagery. This paper presents Corona Stereo Pipeline (CoSP): A pipeline for processing of Corona KH-4 stereo panoramic imagery. CoSP utlizes a deep learning based feature matcher SuperGlue to automatically match features point between Corona KH-4 images and recent satellite imagery to generate Ground Control Points (GCPs). To model the imaging geometry and the scanning motion of the panoramic KH-4 cameras, a rigorous camera model consisting of modified collinearity equations with time dependent exterior orientation parameters is employed. The results show that using the entire frame of the Corona image, bundle adjustment using well-distributed GCPs results in an average standard deviation (SD) of less than 2 pixels. The distortion pattern of image residuals of GCPs and y-parallax in epipolar resampled images suggest that film distortions due to long term storage as likely cause of systematic deviations. Compared to the SRTM DEM, the Corona DEM computed using CoSP achieved a Normalized Median Absolute Deviation (NMAD) of elevation differences of ~4 m over an area of approx. 4000 $km^2$. We show that the proposed pipeline can be applied to sequence of complex scenes involving high relief and glacierized terrain and that the resulting DEMs can be used to compute long term glacier elevation changes over large areas.

Research on ground detection model and test of optical reconnaissance satellite

Research on ground detection model and test of optical reconnaissance satellite

Rapid search method for a spacecraft attitude maneuver path with multiple constraints

The rapid attitude maneuver capability of spacecraft is required in many space missions. Due to the complex attitude constraints and limited satellite resources, the rapid on-orbit attitude maneuver is very challenging for spacecraft attitude control systems. To address this problem, a rapid attitude path search method named Constraint Path Mapping (CPM) is proposed to quickly obtain a safe attitude path. In the CPM method, the attitude constraint safety-mapping strategy is designed to map the attitude constraint space to the attitude safety space, allowing for efficient planning and improved processing of complex attitude constraints. For resource use, this paper adopts the Euler forward search and node safety search to avoid algorithm redundancy caused by the repeated processing of the constraints. Finally, the numerical simulation is performed to validate the feasibility and effectiveness of the proposed method. In particular, this method is expected to be tested on a reconnaissance satellite launched by the Shanghai Institute of Satellite Engineering in March 2021.

Secrecy Analysis for Orthogonal Time Frequency Space Scheme Based Uplink LEO Satellite Communication

Recently, satellite communication (Sat-Com) has developed rapidly, and its security is critical. In this letter, we investigate the security performance for an uplink low earth orbit (LEO) Sat-Com system, where the cooperative UAV is employed to send jamming signals against the reconnaissance satellite. In particular, the uplink transmission is based on the orthogonal time frequency space (OTFS) technique, in order to combat the severe Doppler effect caused by the high mobility of the LEO satellite. As a pioneer work, we derive the closed-form expression for the security outage probability (SOP) at the legitimate receiver, where a novel moment matching approach is used for finding a summed probability distribution function (PDF) of the shadowed-Rician (SR) distributed terms. Furthermore, we analyze the SOP advantage achieved by the OTFS scheme over the traditional orthogonal frequency division multiplexing (OFDM) scheme. Simulation results validate the theoretical results for SOP performance of the uplink LEO Sat-Com, and show the effectiveness of employing UAV jammer in terms of enhancing secrecy transmission.